• ^ 



NARKATIYE 



OF THE 



CENTRxlL DIVISION 



r • 



NARRATIVE 



CENTRAL DIVISION 

OR, 

ARMY OF CHIHUAHUA, 



COMMANDEB BY 



BRIGADIER GENERAL WOOL: 



EMBRACING 

ALL THE OCCURRENCES, INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES, FROM THE TIMS 
OF ITS RENDEZVOUS AT SAN ANTONIO DE BEXAR TILL ITS JUNC- 
TURE WITH GEn'l TAYLOR, AND ITS FINAL DISBANDMENT 

AT CAMARGO WITH AN ACCOUNT OF ITS SUFFERINGS 

WHILE PASSING THROUGH A BARREN AND/IOSTILE 

COUNTRY TOGETHER WITH A DESCRIPTION 

OF THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA, &.C. 
AND AN INTERESTING APPENDIX. 



BY JONATHAN W. BUHOUP, 

LATE OF TliE AKKK^SA^'CaS^sPtr:'^ ^^\ ry 

1SS7 

PITTSBURGK: 

PUBLISHED BY M. P. MORSE, 85 FOURTH ST. 

J 8 4 r , 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the Year 1847, 

By Jonathan W. Buhoup, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the 

Western District of Pennsylvama. 



PRINTED BY DUMAES & CO.; 

Chronicle Job Office. 



PREFACE. 

It is with feelings of temerity, that we attempt to add one 
more to the already numerous, able, and judicio is works 
which have been brought into existence, and are now before 
an enlightened public, on subjects connected with the present 
war with Mexico. The author of the following humble, 
unassuming pages, is aware, however, that among the num- 
ber, none have as yet touched on that body of the army 
known as the Central Division, or Army of Chihuahua, 
excepting a small sketch written by a correspondent of the 
New York Spirit of the TVmes, which has since been copied 
and embraced in a publication entitled, '• Taylor and his 
Generals." 

The author has endeavored, in his narrative, to be as 
plain and concise as possible, confining himself strictly to 
occurrences in the Division and the army connected with it, 
from the lime of its rendezvous at San Antonio de Bexar, 
until its final disbandment at Camargo. Having contem- 
plated the publication of a work of tiiis description, while 
connected with the army, he spared no endeavors to obtain 
all the adventures, incidents, anecdotes, stampedes, etc., 
which occurred during the campaign. 



VI PREFACE. 

Being young in years, and not having had the advantages 
of a liberal education, he will have to trust this, his first 
attempt at authorship, to the mercy of a generous public. 
Should critics find employment in commenting on the labors 
of his pen, he begs of them to let the " darling attribute *' 
predominate in this instance. 

And he will ever remain, 

The Public's most humble servant, 

THE AUTHOR. 

Pittsburgh, Oct, 20, 1847. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Not only a War of Defence, but also one of Invasion, was Judged 
Advisable — Design of the Wise Heads — The Division to Attack 
Chihuahua — Division Ordered to Rendezvous — March by Land and 
Voyage by Water — Quartermaster's Employment — Military Acad- 
emy — Left, Right — Strict Discipline very Necessary, and Orders 
Issued — Mexican Fandango — The Countersign, " Rackensack or 
Sucker"— Orders Issued to March — Consternation about the " Hav- 
ersack"— Crowds Collecting and some Deserting— The Tall Cher- 
okee 13 

CHAPTER II. 

Numerous Wagon Train — Bustle in Breaking up the Camp and Setting 
Out— Detailment of Army and Number of Officers and Men — March 
on the Morning of the 26th of September— The next day Orders 
Issued— Beautiful Prairie, and exploits of the Cherokee Indian — Rest 
on the River Leon, and arrival of General Wool. 17 

CHAPTER III. 

Creek Almost Impassable — The Cherokee in pursuit of Game — False 
Alarm and Confusion — Facing Enemy and Discovery of Mistake — 
Rested for the Wagon Train — Salt Licks — Strictest Viglance and a 
Stronger Guard— Explanation of Grand Rounds— The General Visits 
the Grand Rounds— The Old General Thunderstrack— The German 
Sentinel and the General's Hearty Laugh — Army Marches for the 
Rio Grande— The Arrival of the Alcalde of Presidio— The Indian 
Scrutinizing his Honor's Blanket — The Indian's ideas of the Alcalde 
—Orders Issued from Headquarters. 22 



VIII CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Preparations to cross the River — Enter Presidio — Description of it — 
Encampment — Pelonsellas and Backwoods Dance — Return to Tents 
— Senoritas and Fandango — Explanation of Fandango — Guard at the 
Ford — News of the Battle of Monterey — Arrival of Col. Hardin and 
his Regiment — Second Stampede — Cause of it — Major Beale's 
Adventure with a Sentinel — Orders not to Cock Guns, &c. — Drill — 
Orders to March— March and Encampment at a Hacienda— Arrival 
at San Fernando, and the Exploits of Captain Pike— Encamp, and 
Experience a Cold Night— Soldier's Rations — Encamp in a Swampy 
Place — Water Bad— Express from General Taylor— Dry Grass on 
Fire— Uncomfortable Travelling— The Indian's Plan and Success in 
Getting the Alcalde's Blanket. 29 

CHAPTER \. 

Encamp on the River Sabinass — A Mean Transaction — Move, and 
Come to a Swift Stream — Another Stream, called Alamo — View of 
Mountains — A Day of Rest — The Days of the Month not forgotten 
— Col. Roane waiting for them — Alcalde and bare-legged Mexicans — 
His Honor desires Peace — Private Property Respected— His Depar- 
ture — The Boys Charge the Sugar Cane — Silver Mines of Dr. Long 
^Mexican I'aste — The Lasso— Its Formidableness. 40 

CHAPTER VI. 

A Place of Chaparals and Prickly Pears -Dilemma of a Colonel- Ready 
to March— Pass through a Miry Place— Several Ranchos— An Offi- 
cer Commits a Mean Action — Arrived in Camp in Good Time— Ev- 
idently among the Mountains — Travels of a Gentleman— Journey 
through Sandy Plains— Unfeelingness of some of the Wagoners- 
Cold Consolation for Poor Footmen— Wagon Masters— Their Au- 
thority— Offset to the Above— Hospital Wagons— Encamp — Good 
Water, but no Wood — The General receives Informaiion of a Forti- 
tication— March — All Ready for a Brush — No Mexican Soldiers, but 
a Dozen of Apple Carts- The Boys Charge on the Apples — The 
Indian again— The " Sucker's" Misfortune — Encampment, and Visit 
to the Rancho— Witness a Specimen of Mexican Slavery — Hot 
Spring — Cross several Springs — Dragoon almost Drowned —The 
Indian and the Kid— xMonclova— Its Surrender by the Alcalde thereof 
— Encamp wiihin three miles of Monclova— Order:* given to Clean, 
Shave and Cut Hair. 45 



CONTENTS. IX 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Boys think hard of the Order to Shave— Major Warren Appointed 
Governor of Monclova — Mexican Marl^et— The Indian again on the 
Carpet— Joined by a Squadron of Dragoons— Orders for a Great 
Military Parade — Eater Monclova— Description of it— Encamp about 
a Mile from the City— Volunteers Destroy the Cotton Trees — Orders 
on the 4th to march by the 8th— Hard Speeches — Sickness in the 
Camp- Poor Shelter and Worse Nourishmenr— Junction of the Rear 
of the Central Division— Captai.i Hunter's Company— Reinforce- 
ment — A Regular Encampment— The Provost Guard — Its use — The 
Indian Again— The Morning of the 8th Arrives — Orders to Scout, 
&c.— Mexican Flour— Its Inferiority— Soldiers Curse in Consequence 
Thereof— Gen. Wool not to Blame— In for it — Sickness Bad and 
Duty Irksome— Coffee Scarce — Hospital. 54 

CHAHTER VIII. 

Description of the Country around Presidio— The Soil — Manner of 
Ditching— Cultivation of Corn— Indolence of the Inhabitants— Manner 
of Conveying Water— Farms without Enclosures— Agricultural Pro- 
ductions— Sheap, Goats, Swine and Neat Cattle— Mode of Cooking 
Victuals— Higher Class Condition of Neat Cattle— Sheep Inferior- 
Timber on the Mountains— Country around Monclova— City of Mon- 
clova— Mills and Flour— Stores— Trade from St. Louis. 62 

CHAPTER IX. 

General Melee about the Corn Laws— Steel Mills— Delegates Assem- 
bled—A Speech Made— Order Commanded- Speech Concluded— 
Committee Appears— Resolutions Read— The Indian— Meeting Ad- 
journs—The Regular Insulted— Officer forms a Guard— Something 
About Corn— Prayer Meeting— Officer's Plan Frustrated— Desired 
Effect of the Corn Meeting— A Rumor— Express to General Taylor- 
Trick Played on an Officer— Dialogue— Lariat and Spur— Discharged 
With an Admonition— Nine Ears of Corn 67 

CHAPTER X. 

Cavalry and Dragoons to March— Pelonsellas and the Wooden Leg- 
Experience a Norther— Joined by Major Boreland— Ordered up by 
Daylight— Sufferings from the Cold— Entire Force— Rest and Draw 
Ten Dollars— Marched through Town— Our Indian used up— Lost his 
Tobacco— Encamped at a Hacienda— Capt. Davis not Massacred— A 



X CONTENTS. 

Charming Place— Intense Heat— Food Improving— Fare Tolerably 
Well— Poor Beef— Troops Encamp and Daily Drilled— Took up a 
Small Cannon— General Shields and Colonel Harney— Sad Parting— 
Harney's Brass Band— Auld Lang Syne— Joined by the whole Com- 
mand—Ordered to March— Destined for Paras— Six Months Spent — 
Failure of the Project — Reflections 76 

CHAPTER XI. 

Encamped where Gold had been Washed — Water Good and Wood 
Plenty — Loud Complaints — March through a Barren Country — En- 
camped in a Swamp--Travel Forty Miles without Water— Troops 
Anticipate Suffering — Suffering from Thirst — Hard Hearted Team- 
sters—Arrive at Water— The Famished Soldiers Supplied with it — 
Numbers Die— Mules Die in their Harness— Reflections— Express 
from Gen. Taylor— Encamp in a Ditch, and the Mexicans stop the 
Water— Resume our March— Palmetto, or Soap Plant— High Banks 
— Travel Twenty-five miles— Cavalry— Advantage over Infantry— 
Large Fires in the Mountains— March through Dry and Sandy Desers 
— Great Suffering— Encamp at a Tank— Water Plenty— Disobedient 
Officers — No Mutiny— Place Assigned for Arkansas Regiment — 
Officers all under Arrest— They March in the Rear— No Water for 
Thirty-six miles— The Infantry set out— March through a Sandy 
Plain— Come to Pure Water— Corn in Abundance— Arrival at Paras 
—Don Manuel— Mr. Jackson of Kentucky— The " Rico" invites the 
Officers— The Indian again 83 

CHAPTER XII. 

Encamp Three Miles from Town— A Visit from the Alcalde— Arrive 
at Paras— Sickness again in Camp— The Disobedient Officers are 
Acquitted— Almost an Open Rupture— The Drunken Sergeant— A 
Draft taken of our Encampment by a Mexican, supposed to be a Spy 
— Captain Preston's Company sent on a Scout— Coffee again With- 
held—Description of the Country about Paras, and of the Town — 
Corn Luxuriant— Manners and Customs— How Wood is obtained 
— An Express from General Worth — The Whole Army in Motion — 
The Cavalry, &c., go in Advance — All under way next Morning — 
Accomplished Thirty-one Miles next Day — Encamped at Patos — 
Orders issued to make no Noise — All moved, taking a Circuitous 
Route — A False Alarm, and arrive at Agua Nueva — Cooked Noth- 
ing for two Days — Orders to March to Monclova — Inspecting and 



CONTENTS. XI 

Revifiwing the Troops — Report of Three Thousand Mexicans — Two 
Companies Started — Captain Hoffman's Retreat — Large Santa Fe 
Wagons — Wagons Crowded — Hoaxed Again — The Christmas Frol- 
ic — General Wool called a Coward — Retreated to Encantada — Joy 
Among the Troops— General Wool Removes his Camp to Agua 
Nueva — Arkansas Regiment ordered to Patos — General Wool 
moves his Camp to Buena Vista — Obtain a Hospital at Patos — The 
Indian's Escape — Next Morning saw his Exploits 93 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Things Went on Very Well — Clothing for the Arkansas Regiment — 
Express Arrived — Report about Santa Anna — Gen. Wool Remained 
at Buena Vista — Patrol Sent Out — Major Gaines Joins — Majors 
Gaines and Boreland Captured — Interpreter of Major Boreland — 
Remarks about Several Officers — Major Warren Arrived — The 
Central Division all Up — Great Joy among the Troops — Two Squad- 
rons called in — Major Warren Appointed Governor of Saltillo — Gen, 
Taylor Arrived — The First Mississippi Riflemen and Others En- 
camped at Agua Nueva — An Occurrence— Remarks Respecting it — 
Relation of the Occurrence— Court of Inquiry Respecting it — Matters 
Rested undecided — Gambling the Order of the Day — Gen. Taylor's 
Introduction to the Rackensacks at a Gambling Scene — Reconnoi- 
treing at Encarnacion — Discover Marks of the Enemy 103 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Confirmation of a Mexican Force in the Neighborhood — The whole 
Army in Motion— -Col. McKee kept at Encarnacion — Gen. Wool 
Proceeds to Buena Vista — Wagons to bring in the Remainder of the 
Stores — Alarm Taken and Times LooU Squally— Rancho on Fire — 
An Awfully Grand Scene— Santa Anna's Stratagem to Hold up— 
Orders Given, but Helter Skelter was the Order— Arrival at Buena 
Vista — Snugly in Blankets— The Enemy in Sight— The Gallant 
Suckers— The Army in Line to Meet the Foe— Yankee Doodle- 
Remarks Concerning the Battle— Description of the Battle Ill 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Battle Continued— Loss of America's Bravest Sons— The Troops 
Suffer for Want of Fire-Despatch a Hasty Breakfast— Retreat of 
the Enemy— Shocking Sight of the Dead, Dying and Wounded— 



XII COKtENtS. 

Troops Engaged in Burying the Dead— The Troops Encamp at 
Buena Vista— CofFee Procured— Fresh Meat Desired— A Drove of 
Sheep Devoured 119 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Report of the Number of Killed, Wounded and Missing — Causes of 
Different Reports — Troops remain at Buena Vista — Mexicans Leav- 
ing their Wounded to our Hospitality — An Election Held— Mexican 
Wounded in a Starving Condition— A Sickening Sight — American 
Deserters — Five Day's Rations left for the Wounded Mexicans — Gen • 
Taylor goes in Pursuit of Gen. Urrea — Encantada an Outpost — Gam- 
bling the Order of the Day Again — Ingenuity of the Indian while 
Engaged in Capturing Mules — Capture of Chihuahua — A Forgotten 
Thing brought Forward — Gen. Taylor Countermands — Camp Talk 
— Camanche Indians — Havoc among the Ranchos — Camanches take 
the Suckers' Caps — The Caravan Stopped and the Indians Victorious 
— Pretty Spectacle — Shy Looking Fellows — Recruiting Commenced 
and a New Company Formed — Visited by two Mexican Officers — 
Carrajo — Purport of the Mexican Officer's Despatches — Gen. Tay- 
lor's Reply. 1 30 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The Time for Going Home — Great Sufferings of Col. Doniphan's 
Troops— lUinoisians start for New Orleans — Gen. Wool's Parting 
Address — Refleclions^Forbearance of Gen. Wool — His Courage and 
Valor — Remarks — Anecdote of the Young Officer and his Dulcinea — 
Central Division about Breaking Up in Earnest — The Parting Hand 
to Gen. Wool — Army of Chihuahua — Regiment Proceeds Twelve 
Miles — Our Indian Again — Encamped at Reconada — Gen. Ampu- 
dia's Fortification — Reach Monterey — The Black Fort and Bish- 
op's Palace — Capt. Pike's Squadron Discharged— Joyful News — The 
Bodies of Col. Yell, Capt. Porter and Private Pelham — Set out and 
Arrive at Ceralvo — Saw Massachusetts Volunteers — Encamped at 
Canales' Run — The Town of Meir — Reached Camargo on the Fif- 
teenth — Gen. Pillow's Fortress — Illinois Regiments Mustered Out 
of Service — Arkansas Regiment Discharged — Stanzas — Addresses 
Our Indian Remains — Mexican Rope Dancers — Upper Reynoso — 
Reach the Mouth of the River — Arrive at the Mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi — Arrive at the Crescent City — Reflections — New Orleans 
Dandies — Appeal to the Reader — The Author's Remarks Respecting 
Himself— Appeal to the Public 139 



NARRATIVE 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 



CHAPTER I. 

Kot only a War of Defence, but also one of Invasion, was judged 
advisable — Design of the Wise Heads — The Division to attack Chi- 
huahua — Division ordered to rendezvous — March by land and voyage 
by water — Quarter Master's employment — Military Academy — Left, 
right — Strict Discipline very necessary, and orders issued — Mexican 
Fandango — The Countersign, " Rackensack or Sucker" — Orders 
Issued to March — Consternation about the "Haversack" — Crowds 
Collecting and some Deserting — The Tall Cherokee. 

After the declaration of the \var between Mexico and the 
United States, it was not only thought advisable to stand in 
defence of our frontiers, but to push the war into the enemy's 
country, and carry on a war of invasion, so as to bring the 
powers of Mexico to a just and honorable peace, and to pun- 
ish them for the numerous insults heaped upon our nation 
for many years past, by outrages committed upon American 
citizens, &;c. 

To carry this into effect, it was designed by the wise heads 
at AVashington to enter Mexico at three different points, and 
so conquer her at one blow. One detachment was to attack 
Monterey, a second Chihuahua, and the third Santa Fe. 



14 NARRATIVE or THE 

The one which was to attack Chihuahua is that which we 
shall endeavor to confine ourselves to, namely, the Central 
Division. This division was ordered to rendezvous at San 
Antonio de Bexar, and Brigadier General Wool was selected 
to command. The different regular and volunteer corps that 
received orders to report there, were as follows: Company 
B, 4th artillery ; one squadron 2d regiment United States 
dragoons ; three companies of the 6th United Slates infantry ; 
one regiment of mounted volunteers from Arkansas ; also, 
one regiment from Kentucky and one from Tennessee. The 
two last named were subsequently ordered to join General 
Taylor, consequently they never arrived at San Antonio. 
Two infantry regiments from Illinois, one independent com- 
pany from Kentucky, and one independent company from 
Texas, were also ordered there. 

The dragoons, artillery, Arkansas regiment and the three 
com.panies of United States infantry, proceeded en route by 
land, while the two regiments from Illinois and the independ- 
ent companies from Kentucky and Texas proceeded by water, 
via the Gulf of Mexico to Port Lavacca, and from thence 
one hundred and fifty miles by land to San Antonio de Bexar. 
It was the latter part of August, 1846, before the last of the 
troops arrived ; as fast as they came they were ordered to 
the camp designated for them, Camp Crockett, about five 
miles north of San Antonio, on a stream of water called the 
Salough. The reason of its being termed Camp Crockett, 
is from the fact that the old veteran encamped there previous 
to his entering the Alamo in 1836. 

During this time the Q. M. Department was employed in 
obtaining stores and wagons sufficient for such a march as 
the one about to be commenced. The different corps were 
daily employed in drilling — it had indeed the appearance of 
a Military Academy. It was an amusing sight to see the tall 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 15 

athletic Arkansawian, who had been born on a bear skin, 
rocked in a hollow log, and had never attempted to march 
before, except marching through the cane-brake after game. 
He might be seen trying to keep step after the Captain's 
words, as follows : "Left, right! left, right ! left!" The tall 
backwoodsman would keep very good time until his mind 
would wander back to his old haunts in Rackensack, as he 
called it — when he would start off at a pretty good long walk, 
much to the annoyance of his captain. 

It was also necessary at this time to observe very strict 
discipline. Orders were accordingly issued to this effect, 
that no one should be absent from camp after sunset, and for 
this purpose the roll was called at six o'clock in the evening 
and nine o'clock at night. Consequently, any one found 
absent after this time would be punished, by being put on 
extra duty. But the volunteers were not to be thwarted in 
this manner : the Mexican Fandango had its attractions, and 
go to it they would. Immediately after roll call, at nine 
o'clock, they would steal past the guard, and walk five miles 
to San Antonio, and dance with the Senoritas until three 
o'clock in the morning, and then walk to camp to be ready 
for morning roll call. The strictest vigilance could not in- 
tercept them — they had their own countersign — in this way 
they could pass. 

It was thus, when a soldier would come within hailing 
distance of the sentinel, and would hear the words : " Who 
comes there .^" he would forthwith answer, " Backensack,^^ 
or " Sucker,''^ as the case might be, when the sentinel would 
turn and walk off, and the soldier would continue to go on. 
Things went on at this rate until the 23d of September, 
when every man was speculating high on not going any fur- 
ther, and were laboring under the opinion that they would 
soon rejoin their friends, when, as if by magic, an order was 



16 NARRATIVE OF THE 

issued to hold themselves in readiness to march on the 
26th of that month, with one day's rations cooked, in their 
haversacks. 

Here indeed was a damper on their enjoyments, but th&y 
could not complain, for tliey were in for it. So ihey had to 
remain silent, until one fellow of the Arkansas regiment, who 
had the advantage of being a leetle smarter than the rest, 
cried out at the top of his voice, saying — " Feller Sogers : 
what in the h — 11 is these things they call haversacks 1 I 've 
a notion not to go, for old Wool says to put our grub in our 
haversacks, and I never saw such a thing — a haversackP^^ 

Crowds might now be seen collecting together and con- 
versing about that indispensable article. Many declared they 
would not go, because old Wool was tryin.gto pull wool over 
their eyes. Two of them were so much astounded at the 
word " haversack," that they deserted that same night, 

A tall Cherokee belonging to the regiment, whom we 
shall have occasion to mention in the sequel, was heard 
to say that he did not intend to carry any grub, for he had 
killed many a deer and cooked a piece of it with old ribs. 

* The Arkansas Regiment, not having received their uniform, of 
course had not received that ariicfe. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. IT 



CHAPTER II. 

Numerous Wagon Train — Bustle in breaking up the Camp and setting 
out — Detailment of Army, and number of Officers and Men — March 
on the morning of the 26ih of September — The next day orders is- 
sued — Beautiful Prairie, and Exploits of the Cherokee Indian — Rest 
on the river Leon, and arrival of General Wool. 

Finally, the evening of the 25th arrived ; a numerous wag- 
on train had been coliecled, and the stores, both provisions 
and ammunition, had come to hand from Port Lavacca. Every- 
thing was made ready for the march. Accordingly, the next 
morning at break of day we all set off upon our march for 
Chihuahua, as we then supposed, but in this we were des- 
tined to be disappointed, as will be seen in the sequel. 

Our readers may imagine the bustle in breaking up a camp ; 
one might be heard to exclaim, " What d — d rascal stole our 
camp kettle?" or, "Someone has been eating our sugar?" or, 
*' Who in the h — 11 has been hooking the stirrups off my sad- 
dle ?" and many other exclamations too impious and obscene 
to mention. At length every thing being arranged, we set 
out as follows : 

Cololiel W. S. Harney, who previously had joined us with 
a squadron of the 2d dragoons, in command. 

First Lieutenant, D. II. Rucker, 1st dragoons, Acting As- 
sistant Adjutant General. 

Captain O. Cross, Assistant Quarter Master. 

Doctor J. Simpson, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A. 

Doctor W. Levly, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A. 

Captain R. E. Lee, United Stales corps of Engineers. 



18 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Captain W. D. Fraser, United Slates corps of Engineers. 

Captain G. W. Hughes, United Slates corps of Topo- 
graphical Engineers. 

First Lieutenant, L. Sitgreaves, United States corps of 
Topographical Engineers. 

Lieutenant, W. B. Franklin, United States corps of Top- 
ographical Engineers. 

Company B. 4th artillery, commanded by Captain J. M. 
Washington. 

Subordinates: First Lieutenant J. P. J. O'Brien; First Lieu- 
tenant T. L. Brent; Second Lieutenant H. M. Whiting. 

The Orderly's book showed for duty and able to march, 
four Sergeants, t'our Corporals, and eighty-seven Privates ; 
total, 95 ; aggregate 99. 

One squadron of the 2d regiment of dragoons, the officers 
in command were, Brevet Major B. L. Beall ; First Lieuten- 
ant, J. H. Hill ; First Lieutenant, D. G. Rogers ; Second 
Lieutenants, J. M. Hawes and J. Y. Bioknell. 

The Orderly's book showed for duty, and able to march, 
118 ; non-commissioned ofiicers and privates, making an 
aggregate of 123. 

Three companies of the 6lh United States infantry, to 
which was attached the independent company of Kentucky 
foot volunteers. The officers of the above corps were as 
follows : Major, B.L. E. Bonneville, 6ih infantry ; Captain, 
A. Cadv ; Captain, W. Hoffman ; Captain, J. Williams ; 
First Lieutenant, E. H. Fiizgerald, A. C, S. ; First Lieuten- 
ant, L. Wetmore, commanding company ; Second Lieuten- 
ant, W. Read, of the 5th United Stales infantry ; Second 
Lieutenant, E. Howe ; Brevet Second Lieutenant, W. Rhea, 
and three subalterns of Captain Williams' company, whose 
names we have not procured. Tlie number of men reported 
for duty were 253 ; aggregate 265, 



CENTRAL DIVISION* 10 

Arkansas Cavalry. — The staff was composed as fallows : 
Colonel, A. Yell ; Lieutenant Colonel, J. S. Roane ; Major, 
S. Borland ; Doctor Peyton, acting Surgeon ; First Lieuten- 
ant ; G. Mears, Adjutant ; Captain Porter, Captain A. Pike, 
Captain S. R. Liglish, Captain J. Preston, Captain C. C. 
Danley, Captain J. J. DiUord. 

Four companies, commanded by Captains Patrick, Moffit, 
Hunter and W. G., Preston, were ordered to remain at San 
Antonio, under command (if Mnjor Borland. 

Adjutant's book reported for duty, and able to march, 392 
non-commissioned officers and privates ; aggregate, 417. 

Two companies of the 1st Illinois volunteers, commanded 
by Captains Morgan and Prentis, numbering 150 men ; ag- 
gregate 156. Two companies of the 2d Illinois volunteers, 
commanded by Captain Webb, numbering for duty 135 ; ag- 
gregate, 142. One company for the pioneer service, com- 
manded by Captain Lee, numbering 30 men. The following 
officers, non-commissioned officers and privates, composed 
what was termed the- advance army of Chihuahua; 1171 non- 
commissioned officers and privates ; 73 officers ; making an 
aggregate of 1244. 

With this number we marched on the 26tli of September. 
An order had been previously issued that none, excepting 
those that belonged to the army, should accompany us. 
Our first day's march was twelve miles, when we found 
plenty of wood, water and grazing. During the evening, as 
you would pass through the camp, your ears would be sal- 
uted with the following exclamations: " Well, here we are, 
on our road to Chiliuahua. What do you all think of trav- 
eling three days without water, and cooking your grub with 
Buffalo dung?" Another might be heard to say, " I'll bet 
one month's wages that we'll never go any further than the 
■Rio Grande." At this rale things went on till the sound of 



20 NARRATIVE OF THE 

the drum and the blast of the bugle announced the tattoo, 
and we all went to our tents to sleep and dream of traveling 
sixty miles without water and fighting Mexicans. 

On the following morning we set out at sunrise. An 
order was here issued forbidding the discharge of fire-arms 
within hearing of the camp or column — also, to prohibit any 
one from leaving the camp or column without permission of 
the commanding officer of the day. 

We passed through a beautiful prairie, over which bound- 
ed hundreds of deer. The scene was delightful to behold — 
it was too much for our Indian friend— his eyes sparkled 
with fire when a drove of them darted across before the 
column. He could not endure it. Regardless of orders he 
left the ranks and fell behind. How he passed the rear guard, 
we do not know — but this we do know, that it would have 
been impossible for any other person to have passed or got 
behind it. In the evening we encamped at a small German 
village on the banks of a beautiful stream, the name of which 
we have forgotten — not having our note book handy, we 
neglected it. We scarcely had been encamped one hour 
when our Indian appeared with his horse loaded with veni- 
son. Being somewhat acquainted with him, we were favored 
with a slice, which made a very savory meal. In conse- 
quence of presenting a piece thereof to the Colonel, he had 
this his oflence forgiven, promising at the same time not 
to be guilty of a similar one. 

However, we will see subsequently with what accuracy 
he kept his promise. Things went on very well without 
any thing occurring worthy of note until the first of October, 
on which day we rested at the river Leon, for the purpose 
of grazing our horses. In the afternoon of the same day we 
were joined by Gen. Wool in person, accompanied by First 
Lieut. I. McDowell, 1st Artillery A. D. C; Brevet Second 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 31 

Lieut. F. T. Bryan ; Capt. J. H. Prentis, 1st Artiller5% As- 
sistant Adjt. General ; Capt. \V. W. Chapman, Assistant 
Quarter Master; First Lieutenant M. R. Patrick, 2cl Infan- 
try ; Doct. C. M. Hitchcock, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.; 
Major D, Hunter, Paymaster, U. S. A.; Second Lieut. C. 
P. Kingsbury, Ordnance Department; Capt. E. Steen, 1st 
Kegt. U. S. Dragoons ; Capt. W. Eustace ; Second Lieuten- 
ants A. Buford and J. H, Whittlesey, and a squadron of the 
1st Dragoons, numbering 131 men. The aggregate force 
which joined us here was 144. Our force was now increas- 
ed to 1,.S88 men, wilh Brigadier General John E. Wool in 
command. 



82 NARRATIVE OF THE 



CHAPTER III. 

Creek Almost Impassable— The Cherokee in Pursuit of Game — False 
Alarm and Confusion — Facing Enemy and Discovery of Mistake — 
Rested for the Wagun Train — Salt Licks — Strictest Vigilance and a 
Stronger Guard — Explanation of Grand Rounds — The General Vis- 
its the Grand Rounds — The Old General Thunderstruck — The 
German sentenced and the General's hearty laugh — Army marches 
for the Rio Grande — The arrival of the Alcalde of Presidio — The 
Indian scrutinizing his Honor's Blanket — The Indian's ideas of the 
Alcalde — Orders issued from Headquarters. 

We marched on the following morning. Nothing of 
great moment transpired until the 3d, when, the Arkansas 
Regiment being in the rear and wa^ion guard, and Gen. 
Wool with the remainder formed the advance, on coming to 
a very deep creek, which was ahiiost impassable for the 
wagons, considerable time was taken up in crossing, so much 
so, that CoL Yell deemed it necessary to camp for the night 
— Gen. Wool being about twelve miles in advance. 

During the afternoon, our Indian friend, forgetting his 
promise, sallied forth in pursuit of game, but missing the 
Arkansas camp, came up within sight of Gen. Wool's camp 
before he discovered his mistake. He forthwith commenced 
to retrace his steps, but not without being discovered by one 
of those men with whom the central division was continu- 
ally troubled, in causing unnecessary alarms. Well, it was 
by one of those fractious-minded men that our hero was dis- 
covered. He immediately sounded the alarm: " A Mexican 
spy." Soon every man was up in arms — not a few wills 
were made by men who imagined their lime was come. An 



CENTRAL DIVISION. ^3 

express was started up for the Arkansas camp. The ex- 
press arrived at the above camp about 12 o'clock the same 
night. Here indeed was a scene — some running one way 
and some the other. Others, again, who had been so un- 
fortunate as to lose tlieir horses, were crying out : " Where 
in h — 11 is my horse— some fellow has cut my rope." An- 
other might be heard to ask at the top of his voice, whether 
old Wool was cut off, or how many Mexicans were there — 
the unfortunate Indian among the rest. As soon as every 
thing was ready, and every man iiad received his quota of 
cartridges and caps, off they started, helter skelter, and such 
screams as were sent up, the surrounding chaparalls had 
heretofore been strangers to. Had a catamount been within 
hearing distance, he would necessarily have blushed. On 
they charged, headlong — eager for the fray — and every man 
looking out for the Mexican lines. 

At length, a tall fellow, who had the advantage of looking 
over the rest, exclaimed, " Thar they are !" And sure 
enough, there they were ; but who ? Why no one else but 
our own troops, formed in a line of battle, waiting for the 
enemy. Having heard the noise of the Arkansas men coming 
up, they took them to be the Mexican charge. When the 
troops were all together once more, and no one hurt, they 
sent up three cheers. Thus ended the first stampede* of 
the Central Division. 

W'e then rested to wait for the wagon train to come up, 
which arrived about 10 o'clock. We then continued our 
march about five miles farther, and encamped for the night. 
It is needless to say the Indian remained in camp that even- 
ing. We were off the following morning at break of day, 
nothing transpiring worthy of notice, except that we passed 
some salt licks, where the ground for six hundred yards 

• An alarm. 



24 NARRATIVE OF THE 

around was covered with a hard cake of salt. The cavalry 
here salted their horses. When we came within 25 miles 
of the Rio Grande, a report Was circulated through camp 
tliat the Mexicans were fortified on the opposite bank of the 
river, and intended to oppose our crossing. An express was 
started for San Antonio, ordering up Col. Hardin, with eight 
companies of the 1st Illinois Volunteers. Piquets were now 
sent out in every direction, and the strictest vigilance observ- 
ed. 'J'hc next day we marched about IG miles. This 
brought us within nine miles of the enemy's country. We 
were encamped on a beautiful eminence, where we had a 
commanding view of the surrounding country. Many look- 
ed with eager eyes, trying to point out the course of the river, 
the banks of which we could discern. The afternoon of 
this day was occu])ied in inspecting the troops and arms. 
Previous to our approaching the enemy's country, a stronger 
guard was placed, and spies sent out in all directions. During 
the niglit, Gen. Wool accompanied the grand rounds in per- 
son, to try the vigilance of the sentinels. 

For fear some of our readers may not know the meaning 
of "grand rounds," we will state tliat it is the duty of the 
officers of the day to visit the guard, at least once during the 
night. 

Well, it was in company with this ofllcer that the General 
visited the different posts. It is the duty of the sentinel, 
when he sees any one approaching to hail, and the grand 
round, on being hailed with, " Who comes there," will an- 
swer, " Grand rounds." The sentinel w^ill then say, 
*' Stand, grand rounds; advance Sergeant, and give the coun- 
tersign." After this ceremony, the officer will advance, and 
after questioning the man on post as to what he has seen, 
proceeds on to the next. 

It happened that this night the Sergeant was somewhat 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 25 

longer in relieving the guard. One fellow got considerably 
tired, and out of humor — consequently when Gen. Wool and 
the officer approached, he was under the impression that it 
was the relief. He immediately hailed, " Who comes there?" 
The Sergeant replied, ''Grand rounds." "Grand rounds 
be d — d ; I thought it was the relief." The old General 
was thunderstruck at such an answer. Had it been some 
other oflicer of the army, the inconsiderate soldier would 
have been placed in irons without ceremony : but not so with 
our gallant old General. After standing mute for some sec- 
onds, we have no doubt he reflected that he was a volunteer, 
and undisciplined, and used to every privilege which the laws 
of God and man allowed him. After reproving him for his 
conduct, he cautioned him not to do so in future, and passed to 
the next. On coming up to this man, he was seen to get up. 
After hailing as usual, he questioned him as to the reason of 
his lying down. He being a German, and had laid down, 
no doubt, to seize a few moment's repose, the following 
harangue forthwith commenced : " Veil, Sheneral, I vash 
just tinking dere vash something comin, so I just lot dat I 
would lay down till him cot up so close dat I get a shoot 
at him. Vel den, I look and see dat it vash you." Here 
the General thought proper to ask him how he knew him. 
" Vy you see I saw dat you come up on de wrong side, and 
dat it vash not the Mexicans, so I tot dat it vash you, and it 
vash, too." After the General had enjoyed a hearty laugh, 
and complimented our German friend for his vigilance, he 
proceeded on without any similar occurrence. 

The next morning, after an advance, rear and flank guards 
had been detailed, and placed according to orders, viz : The 
advance about one mile ahead of the column, the rear about 
six hundred yards behind the train, and the flank about one 
fourth of a mile from the wagons and columns, on each side 

3 



26 NARRATIVE OF THB 

of the road. In this manner we commenced our march for 
the Rio Grande del Norte, where we arrived about 2 o'clock, 
P. M.j on the 8th of October, and encamped in order of battle. 
The river banks were crowded with men endeavoring to 
catch a glimpse of a Mexican on the opposite side. 

About 4 o'clock, P. M., the same day, his Honor the 
Alcalde of Presidio and his cabinet arrived on the opposite 
bank, with a while flag, and desired to have an interview 
with Gen. Wool, which was granted. Accordingly, he was 
beckoned across. He forthwith began fording it. On reach- 
ing the shore, he was conducted to Gen. Wool's tent, not 
only by a selected escort for that purpose, but by the whole 
army — all anxious to obtain a glimpse of this functionary. 
Our Cherokee was observed to scrutinize him very closely, 
more particularly his blanket, which was of a very fine qual- 
ity. The Alcalde's business with Gen. Wool was to surren- 
der the town of Presidio, on condition that private property 
should be respected, which, of course, the General assented 
to, and his Honor was permitted to depart without further 
parley. This he did by fording the river — being requested 
by the boys to keep his lower limbs out of the water, for 
fear he might catch cold. 

He had hardly gone ten minutes, when we were accosted 
by our son of the forest, whose eyes sparkled as he ap- 
proached us. Having a pretty good opinion of us, he con- 
fided to us the following : " What do you think of that there 
humbug ?" " What humbug ?" said we. " Why that there 
copper colored Alcalde, that was up to see the General. 
What did you think of that blanket of his? Wasn't it 
mighty fine ?" AVe nodded assent. ♦' Well, do you think 
it would be any harm to sort of s/ceer him out of it, provided 
you could do so without knocking the old chap over ? — for 
you see that would be wasting ammunition." AVe endeav- 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 27 

ored to dissuade him from it, but it was all in vain. He 
said he did not think there was any harm in it. So he start- 
ed off, and the last we heard him say was, that anything was 
fair in war. 

The next morning the fatigue party were employed on 
both sides of the river, preparing the banks, so as to make 
them passable for the wagons, and in the evening an order 
was issued, which read as follows : 

Headquabteks. Camp on the Rio Graxre. > 
near Presidio, i)th October, IS'IG. ' $ 

[Orders No. 89.] 

Soldiers.' — After a long and tedious march, you have arri- 
ved on the bank of the Rio Grande. In the performance of 
this service, the commanding general has witnessed with the 
greatest pleasure your patience, good order, and perseverance, 
under many deprivations and hardships. All have done their 
duty, and in a manner that reflects the highest credit on both 
officers and men. From this remark he would not except 
his staff, who have actively and zealously devoted themselves 
to the service ; whilst Captain Cross has been eminently 
successful in forwarding his long train of supplies, without 
delay or serious accident. 

To-morrow you will cross the Rio Grande, and occupy 
the territory of our enemies. We have not come to make 
war upon the people or peasantry of the country, but to 
compel the government of Mexico to render justice to the 
United States. The people, therefore, who do not take up 
arms against the United States, and remain quiet and peace- 
ful at their homes, will not be molested or interfered with, 
either as regards their persons or property ; and all those 
who furnish supplies will be treated kindly, and whatever is 
received from them will be liberally paid for. 

It is expected of the troops that they will observe the most 



28 NARRATIVE OF THE 

rigid discipline and subordination. All depredations on the 
persons or property of the people of the country are strictly 
forbidden ; and any soldier or follower of the camp who may 
so far forget his duty as to violate this injunction, will be 
severely punished. 

By command of General Wool. 

(Signed.) James H. Prentiss, Ass'i Jldj. Gen. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 29 



CHAPTER IV. 

Preparations to cross the River— Enter Presidio— Description of it- 
Encampment — Pelonsellas and Backwoods Dance — Return to 
Tents — Senoritas and Fandango — Explanation of Fandango — Guard 
at the Ford— News of the Battle of Monterey— Arrival of Colonel 
, Hardin and his Regiment — Second Stampede — Cause of it — Major 
Deal's Adventure with a Sentinel — Orders not to Cock Guns, &c. — 
Drill— Orders to March — March and Encampment at a Hacienda — 
Arrival at San Fernando, and the Exploits of Captain Pike — En- 
camp and Experience a Cold Night — Soldier's Rations — Encamp in 
a Swampy Place — Water Bad — Express from General Taylor — Dry 
Grass on Fire — Uncomfortable Travelling — The Indian's Plan and 
Success in getting the Alcalde's Blanket. 

On- the morning of the 10th we prepared to cross the 
river. Two boats had been constructed at San Antonio, for 
the purpose of using here, but they were only used for 
conveying the infantry across. The cavahy, artillery and 
train forded it, the cannon being raised about two feet above 
the carriage, in which way they passed over without injury. 
The infantry crossed over first, the dragoons next, then the 
wagon train — the artillery remaining behind, for the purpose 
of covering the passage, should any attempt be made to op- 
pose us. The drngoons and Arkansas Regiment liaving 
crossed, started in advance for the purpose of taking Presidio 
in true military style — every man having on the best clothes 
his scanty wardrobe would afford. Thus we proceeded to 
take the first Mexican town that was taken by the Central 
Division. It is situated on a piece of rising ground, about 



30 NARRATIVE OF THE 

eight miles from the river. Just before entering the town, 
we passed by an old church, which had more the appear- 
ance of a fortification or prison than a house of worship. 

On our entrance, the citizens appeared to be enjoying it 
as a festival. Men, women and children were in the street, 
and saluted our ears with " Buenos dies—mutcha bueno !"' 
The houses were similar to those occupied by the Spaniards 
at San Antonio de Bexar — built chiefly of mud, and a pretty 
good crop of grass and prickly pears growing on top of them. 
AVe encamped about one fourth of a mile from town, on 
the road leading to Monclova. We had scarcely got into 
camp before it was crowded with Mexicans of all classes — 
some as spectators, others with small articles for sale, such 
as cakes and pelonsellas, which latter article is a small loaf 
of sugar, similar to our brown sugar, only of an inferior 
quality. After passing into the Arkansas camp, we discov- 
ered a crowd collected together. On approaching it, we saw 
two Mexicans, one playing on a clarionet, the other on a 
violin, while the Rackensacks were enjoying a good old 
backwoods dance, or as a volunteer would term it, a " stag 
break down." Did this look like two hostile parties meet- 
ing ? Our readers will say " No, it did not." It looked 
more like the return of long absent friends, or a pic-nic 
party, than the camp of an invading army. 

Things went on in this way until night, when some re- 
turned to their tents, to sleep for the first time in an enemy's 
country, or out of the United States. Others performed the 
well-known feat of stealing past the guard, and spending the 
night in adoring and dancing with the dark-eyed senoritas oi 
Mexico, at ?i fandango. 

For the information of our readers, we will remark that 
a fandango is somewhat similar to the celebrated dance 
houses of the Southern cities. The fandango is generally 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 31 

given by some one of the citizens of the place, for no other 
purpose than to obtain from our soldiers their hard earned 
money. It is customary, when you dance with one of the 
ladies, to treat her to some refreshments, kept for that pur- 
pose — so that every dance will cost you, at the least, twenty- 
five cents, almost as much as a soldier's pay for one dav. 
After treating her to cakes, nuts, &c., (as for drinks, none 
are kept public,) you will observe that she does not eat 
them ; but, by watching her closely, you will see that she 
takes them back — consequently, you buy the same articles 
two or three times. Hence, our readers may form an idea 
of the stratagems made use of to play upon our unsuspecting 
volunteers. 

The next day one infantry company was placed to guard 
the ford, but the main body moved their camp about four 
miles further on the road leading to Monclova — this place 
having tolerable grazing, but very bad water. 

The following day, October 12, we heard of the battle of 
Monterey, and the armistice. The prospects for peace ap- 
peared fair, and joy beamed on every face. But, alas! in 
this they were doomed to be disappointed. Few formed an 
idea of the many hardships they had to undergo. Many 
of those poor fellows, who then expressed a hope of soon 
treading their native soil, where they could dwell in peace 
and safety, were destined to find their graves beneath the 
chaparals of the arid plains of Mexico. 

On this day we were joined by Col. John J. Hardin's 
1st Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. His field and staff 
were composed of the following officers : 

Lieutenant Colonel Weatherford. 

Major Warren. 

Captain R. H. Chilton, A. Q. M., U. S. A. 

Dr. Herrick, Assistant Surgeon. 



32 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Dr. Zabriskie, Acting Assistant Surgeon. 

First Lieutenant W. H. Wallace, Adjutant. 

Captains: Moore, Fry, Zabriskie, Richardson, Landon, 
Montgonery, Crow and Wyatt. 

The total of Colonel Hardin's command, which joined us, 
was 538 non-commissioned officers and privates, and 36 
commissioned officers. Aggregate, 574. 

The next morning, October 13, we experienced our sec- 
ond stampede, as the soldiers called it. It was about eight 
o'clock, A. M., that platoons were heard firing in the direc- 
tion of the river. At first, every one stood as still as if spell- 
bound, but at length a second firing was heard. All was 
bustle and confusion. The long roll was beaten. The bugles 
sounded to horse! The whole division was immediately 
under arms. The gallant Colonel Harney and his dragoons 
were in the saddle in a moment, and off. Next came the 
Rackensacks. A battle now seemed inevitable. Had Gen. 
Wool not come up at the moment he did, the citizens of 
Presidio would have witnessed a charge unparalleled in the 
annals of Mexican history. But the General met Colonel 
Yell, at the head of his mounted devils, (to use Colonel 
Harney's phrase,) and ordered him to wait until news came 
from Colonel Harney. Accordingly the troops were formed 
in line of battle, to await the consequences. Presently a 
dragoon was seen coming with all speed, and riding up to 
the General. About this time, a smart picking of flints 
might have been heard — every man being anxious to distin- 
guish himself. The General was seen to give orders to his 
aid-de-camp, who forthwith galloped towards the lines. 
Now every man was looking, with eyes, ears and mouth 
open — the infantry with the left foot ready to step off at the 
word — the cavalry with their bridle reins tight, and their 
spurs in a position that threatened a severe attack upon the 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 33 

flanks of their prancing steeds. The aidde-camp was seen 
delivering orders to the Colonels and commanders of the 
different corps, who commenced relating to their commands 
the cause of the alarm. It was occasioned by the burial of 
a child belon^inDf to the wife of one of the soldiers stationed 
at the ford of the river, who was attached to the company 
as a laundress. The soldiers, in honor to the afflicted parents, 
concluded to bury the young soldier with the honors of war, 
not apprehending the consequences. 

After hearing this news, the infantry came to that position 
known in military taciics as a " rest" — the cavalry dropped 
their bridle reins, and brought their spurs to a position more 
comfortable to tlieir horses. The commanders marched their 
corps back to the different encampments. Very little was 
said, except by a few who were more daring than the rest, 
who threatened that if they had the daddy of the yonng 
soldier, they would make him treat all hands. So we all re- 
turned to our tents, to converse on the topics of the day, and 
the second stampede. 

Nothing more happened that day worth noticing, except 
that which gave iVlajor Beal a great aversion to going the 
grand rounds. Happening to be officer of the day, and 
going his customary rounds, at 12 o'clock at night, he came 
upon one of the sentinels who had sat down for the purpose 
of resting. The sentinel jumped up all at once, exclaiming : 
" Who comes there ? Stop! for by G — d she 's cocked 1" 
The alarm which this occasioned, was indeed amusing. The 
Sergeant who accompanied him, left for the guard house — 
the Major retreated about ten paces, saying : " Don't shoot I 
it's me." The sentinel began walking his post as if nothing 
had happened, while the terrified officer of the day retraced 
his steps without visiting any more of the posts that night. 
The next day an order was accordingly issued forbidding 



34 NARRATIVE OF THE 

the cocking of fire arms previous to hailing three times. 

The 14th was employed in drilling. In the evening Capt. 
Pike's squadron of the Arkansas Regiment was ordered to 
draw six days' rations, and hold themselves in readiness to 
march the following morning, the 15th, which they accord- 
ingly did, under the command of Lieut. Colonel Roane, for 
the purpose of forming an advance and for procuring forage. 

Nothing special transpired until the following evening, 
when the were ordered to be ready to take up the line of 
march the next morning. The sick who were not able to 
march fifteen miles per day, were to remain at the Rio 
Grande, and those whose maladies were of a very serious 
character, were sent back to San Antonio with an empty 
train, under the command of Lieut. Calvert, of the Arkansas 
Cavalry. 

We took up the line of march according to orders on the 
16th of October. Our march, this day, was through an open 
space of country, interspersed here and there with a cluster 
of chaparal bushes. We camped this night at a small ha- 
cienda,^' nothing occurring of note except that some of 
the volunteers got hold of some aguadiente.i This soon 
brought them into a state which would have caused them 
some difficulty in gaining admittance into a society known 
as the Sons of Temperance. 

We set out the following morning by the break of day, 
and arrived in due time at a village by the name of San Fer- 
nando. The Mexicans here had been apprised of our ap- 
proximation by Capt. Pike's squadron, hence our arrival 
caused but little excitement. It was related to us by one of 
the ^members of this squadron, that on entering this place, 
Capt. Pike ordered sabres to be drawn. In this manner 
they galloped into the Plaza,^ alarming men, women, chil- 

* A small village. t Whiskey. X Market place, or square. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 35 

dren and dogs, and every thing alive within sight vamosed. 
After reaching llie Plaza, he commanded, ''Front into line — 
march 1 " In this manner they remained some time without 
seeing any thing in the shape of human. At last a door 
was seen opening and an old woman observed coming out — 
however, not with a flag of truce, but with a basket of pel- 
lonsellas. She approached the grave looking Captain, and, 
after a conrtsey that would have done honor to our own city 
belles, commenced to address him in Spanish: *^ Buenos 
diets quere compreir pelonsellas, mucho huena.^'' After 
hearing this speech he gave the following: orders: "By fours, 
forward, march," and so left the old lady standing, without 
even giving her a civil answer. Thus ended the capture of 
San Antonio by Capt. Pike's squadron, under the command 
of Lieut. Colonel Roane, of the Arkansas Cavalry. 

We encamped within about one mile of the town, where 
there was plenty of forage and wood. This last article was 
somewhat in demand, for it was one of the coldest nights we 
ever experieiiced. Any man who has been to Mexico and 
felt the severity of what is termed a " Norther," can form 
some idea of such a night as that was. But, to use the sol- 
diers' language, by bunking together, we were able to get a 
pretty comfortable night's sleep. In the morning, after des- 
j)atching a soldier's breakfast, we were off. 

For the benefit of those who know not what a soldier's 
rations consist of, we will state that we here received three 
quarters of a pound of pork, bacon or beef per day. Gener- 
ally, about the same time, we got one pound of beef per day 
for four days, and three fourths of a pound of pork or bacon 
the fifth day, and one pound of hard bread or flour, and cof- 
fee, salt and soap accordingly. But the beef we here receiv- 
ed was very bad — so poor, as the soldiers say, that to throw 
it against a smooth plank it would stick. 



36 NARRATIVE OF THE 

But this was only commencing the campaign, and no one 
formed an idea as to what had yet to be undergone. We 
arrived at the place designated for our camp pretty early in 
the day, which was a very bad place, the ground being very 
low and swampy, and the water almost undrinkable. 

An express reached us here, Oct. 18th, from Gen. Tay*- 
lor, giving an official account of the battle and capitulation 
of Monterey. However, it was not made public that night; 
hence, there was considerable uneasiness manifested- — every 
man anxious to learn the particulars ; but they were held in 
suspense until the next evening, when we encamped by the 
side of a large pond — wood being extraordinarily scarce. 
We had here a detailed account given of Gen. Taylors ope- 
rations, giving an account of the number of killed and wound- 
ed on both sides ; likewise the terms the enemy capitulated 
on. After hearing this, ihe boys, judging that the prospects 
for peace were very flattering, sent up three cheers for old 
Zack and his men. 

Scarcely had the above been read to the diff'erent corps, 
than suddenly the long roll was beaten an^l every man 
was to arms in a minute. No doubt many thought 
they were to have a chance to show their grit as well as 
the heroes of Monterey. Bin the alarm was occasioned 
by some dry grass taking fire iii the vicinity of the Illinois 
camp, which threatened to make charge on their tents 
and other camp equipage. The men were immediately 
formed, not in a hollow square, as they would form to repel 
a charge from the Mexican lancers, but in a position more 
favorable to prevent the approach of the threatening element, 
namely, every one for himself or his own quarters. 

The next morning it commenced a drizzling rain, which 
made it rather uncomfortable traveling. As we were passing 
along through the camp, viewing the different corps as they 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 37 

marched out to take their places in the columns, what was 
our surprise to see our Indian friend snugly rolled up in the 
identical blanket which was worn by the Alcalde of Presidio, 
at the time of his interview with Gen. Wool. 

Our curiosity led us to ride in company with the Indian 
for some time, for the purpose of learning from him the 
manner in which he had obtained it. After extorting from us a 
promise to keep it a secret, he related to us the following : 
*' You see I was mightily taken up with that there blanket ; 
but how to gel it I knew not, hence, I had almost given up 
trying, when a thought popped into my mind that I would 
let on to be a deserter and get the Alcalde to hide me. So, 
the night before we left Presidio, I went to a fandango ; there 
I found a negro who resided there. I went to him and asked 
him whether I could speak to him alone. At first he ap- 
peared to be afraid, but when I told him that I would not 
hurt him, he consented. I took him out of doors and said 
that I wished to desert them d — d Americans. When he 
heard this, he seemed delighted beyond all measure, and 1 
asked him how or where I might conceal myself. He then 
began : ' Why, you see, sar, dar's dat ole boss of ours — he 
am de greatest feller to hide folks you ever seed — you see, 
when I run away from ole massa in Texas, I come here, 
and one day, hearin' dat de ole massa was after me, I went 
to dis same ole feller, and if he didn't hide me in one of de 
darkest places — why, it was blacker dan I am myself — if ole 
massa had a come dar, he couldn't a found me 'cept by de 
shinin ob my eyes.' 

" After I heard this, I asked him to take me to the house 
of the Alcalde, which he immediately did. On entering the 
house the negro commenced talking Spanish and the old fel- 
low began to bustle around mightily ; he took me into a back 
room, shut the door, put on his blanket — but not this one 



38 NARRATIVE OF THE 

(alluding to the one he had on,)— this must have been a sort 
of a Sunday blanket. However, the old fellow went out, 
leaving me alone in the back room, and the negro in the 
front room. The negro had told me before that he was go- 
ing to hunt a place to hide me. I now began to think that 
I had got into a mighty bad scrape ; but I had no time to 
lose, so I began to look around. In one corner of the room 
I saw a sort of chest ; I opened it and looked in, but could 
see nothing of the blanket. However, I lifted up some old 
things that were on the top, and sure enough there it was, 
folded up nice for the next Sunday. I took it out, but how 
was I to get away ? The back door was fastened — the ne- 
gro was in the front room, and what to do I knew not. But 
on going to the back door, I found it fastened on the inside 
with a bar. I took it out, and as easily as possible opened 
the door and climbed over a prickly-pear fence. If I didn't 
break for camp faster than a quarter horse, then I am no 
Ingin. 

" However, when I reached the camp, I could not get 
past the guard all I could do. I tried the old countersign — 
I hallooed *' Rackensack" and "Sucker," but it was no go. 
It must have been one of them 'tarnal regulars. Here, then, 
I was bound to stay out all night, and if ever you saw an 
Ingin skeered, it was I. The 'tarnal wolves seemed to be 
fighting for the rights of their country and the old Alcalde's 
blanket ; so I had to form one of them squares like the infan- 
try does, to keep them from charging on me. Finally, day- 
light came, the wolves retreated and I went to camp, got my 
horse and left for fear that the old fellow might take a sort 
of hankering after his blanket and come for it. But he did 
not catch me, and so I have the blanket, and don't you think 
it's very comfortable such a morning as this ? " 

Of course we had to agree with him as regarded comforta- 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 3D 

bleness ; but as to the manner in which he obtained it, we 
endeavored to point out to him the evil that would grow out 
of such conduct, and that he was running a great risk of his 
life in tampering with the Mexicans at this rate. It was no 
use, however; his only reply and motto was: "Anything 
is fair in war," and, " catch an Indian asleep, will you ? " 
At the conclusion of this last speech we left him, and, as we 
had given a promise to remain silent on the matter, of course 
we had to comply with it. 



40 NARRATIVE OF THE 



CHAPTER y. 

Encamp on the River Sabinass — A Mean Transaction — Move, and 
Come to a Swift Stream — Another Stream, called Alamo — View 
of Mountains — A Day of Rest — The Days of the Month not for- 
gotten — Colonel Roane waiting for them — Alcalde and bare-legged 
Mexicans — His Honor desires Peace — Private Property Respected — 
His Departure — The Boys Charge the Sugar Cane— Silver Mines 
of Dr. Long — Mexican Taste — The Lasso — Its Formidableness. 

This evening, October 21st, we encamped on a stream by 
the name of Sabinass, which is noted for its swift current. 
Here we found wood plenty, and at the same time saw some 
Mexicans, being the first we had met since we left San Fer- 
nando. They were selling pelonsellas and sweet potatoes. 
The latter article met a good sale, it being a sort of rarity. 

We shall here notice an action committed by some person 
or persons, the perpetrators of which, if we had their names, 
we would not scruple to publish. However, we are pretty 
confident that it was none of the volunteers, because we 
think that at this time they had not forgotten the injunction 
placed on them by General Wool, at the Rio Grande, not to 
molest the persons or property of peaceably disposed citi- 
zens ; nor do we think that our Indian, although the invet- 
erate enemy of the Mexicans, would so far forget his duty 
as to be guilty of such a cowardly and dastardly act. About 
dark we found that four Mexicans had retired to the bank of 
the river, for the purpose of encamping for the night. They 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 41 

had scarcely struck their camp fires, when some Americans 
(if such they could be called,) approached their camp, and 
requested to see some pelonsellas, which the Mexicans pro- 
ceeded to show. When they had opened them, they were 
seized by some of the party, who began to carry them off. 
The Mexicans endeavored to secure their property, but they 
were inhumanly beaten, their pelonsellas and money taken, 
and themselves unceremoniously put into the river. We do 
not attempt to take the part of the Mexicans, for some of our 
readers may say that they would use us as bad, had they us 
in their power. This we admit ; but the American people 
make more pretensions to civilization. Had the Mexicans 
given any just cause or provocation for such proceedings, we 
would agree, as far as the flogging is concerned, but to half 
murder them, for the paltry sum of a few dollars, was brutal. 
We stamp it with the most unqualified disapprobation. 
Neither did our good General approve of it. Could he have 
ferreted out the perpetrators of such a high-handed outrage, 
wo would have betided them. 

The next morning we did not start as early as usual. 
Preparations were being made to cross the river, which 
we found would be very difficult. The foot men moved off 
about eight o'clock, having to wade the stream, which was 
extremely difficult, from the reason of its being so swift and 
deep. It was likewise found that the mules were unable to 
stand against the current ; consequently they had to work 
the wagons across by means of a long rope, which was 
fastened to the wagons on one side, and drawn over in this 
manner by men stationed on the other. Thus, when one 
wagon had crossed in this manner, three or four of the cav- 
alry would take it back. In this manner we worked until 
almost night. 

After this the infantry and dragoons marched about five 
4* 



42 NARRATIVE OF THE 

miles, to another stream, similar in rapidity to the other, 
called liie Alamo. For the purpose of facilitating the pass- 
age of the wagons, as fast as they arrived, the Arkansas Cav- 
alry crossed over and encamped on the opposite side, and 
then assisted the remainder to get across. 

The following morning we had the first view of moun- 
tains. As they arose in majesty and grandeur in the hori- 
zon, they had the appearance of opaque clouds, and many 
bets were made on their being such. 

Next morning, the wagons being all over, the Arkansas 
Regiment came up wiih the main body of the army, which 
was encamped on a strip of rising ground, about six hundred 
yards from the river, the train and troops having forded two 
of the swiftest streams in Mexico. We were, upon this 
hazardous enterprise, permitted a day of recreation and rest, 
for the purpose of cleaning up and washing. 

For fear some of our readers may suspect we had forgot- 
ten the days of the month, we will state that the advance 
arrived on the right bank of the river Alamo on the 22d day 
of October, 1846, the remainder on the 23d, and we rested 
on the 24th. We took up our line of march again on the 
25th, being only about 12 miles from a town called San 
Rosallia. 

We reached the camp about noon, where we found Col. 
Roane's command wailing for us, and to one of them we are 
indebted for the particulars of the capture of the place. 

On approaching the town, they were met by the Al- 
calde, accompanied by about twenty bare-legged Mexicans, 
with a negro for interpreter, whom one of our men immedi- 
ately recognized as once belonging to a gentleman in the 
State of Tennessee, and who had absconded from his master 
about ten years since. 

After the usual salutations, 4he Alcalde commenced by 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 43 

saying; "Our desire is for peace, and we are willing to 
surrender the town and public property " — (it is needless to 
say there was very little of that found,) — " provided, the pri- 
vate property is respected." 

A man in the ranks said, " You have to give it up with- 
out any proviso! " 

The Alcalde answered, " No untende!^^ 
The Captain had to interfere, and the Colonel assured his 
Honor that private property would be respected, who, after 
bowing about a dozen times, departed. 

Now, the boys, not thinking or not remembering the trea- 
ty, and not having the fear of Gen. Wool before their eyes, 
forthwith charged on a field of sugar cane and made an un- 
precedented havoc among the lucious vegetable. No set of 
Erzgebirgen of Bohemia, could have fallen upon that field 
with an equally devouring a])petite. 

Here we visited a silver mine owned by a Dr. Long, for- 
merly of Pennsylvania. From appearances we opine that 
he was not doing a flourishing business, for, to use the phrase- 
ology of a certain Mnjor, *' he looked no better than his ope- 
ratives." He exhibited to us quite a variety of specimens of 
ore in its natural slate, and also after it had been smelted. 
The silver produced here is principally used for plating sad- 
dles and ornamenting bridles, for which the Mexicans dis- 
play an extraordinary taste — in fact they are similar to ihe 
Indians in this respect. Give a Mexican his pony, orna- 
mented bridle, plated saddle, and lasso, and he is then at the 
highest point of ambition. 

The lasso is the most formidable weapon the Mexican 
possesses — at least he uses it with more expertness and dex- 
terity than any other. As Mr. Gregg says, in his " Commerce 
of the Prairies,'^ it forms part of the sports of their child- 
hood. This we had an opportunity of noticing, for we have 



44 NARRATIVE OF THE 

seen a child scarcely able to walk alone, attempting to throw 
its lasso over the [leads of dogs, chickens, &c., &c. We 
have been informed that it is a trifle for an expert ranchero to 
chase a bear, capture it with his lasso, and drag it to death. 
We will have an opportunity of informing our readers, be- 
fore we come to the "^?2Z5," of the manner in which they 
use it as a deadly weapon against the invaders of their 
country — but we have said enough to let them know what a 
lasso is. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 45 



CHAPTER YI. 

A Place of Chaparals and Prickly Pears— Dilemma of a Colonel — 
Ready to March— Pass through a Miry Place— Several Ranches— 
An Officer Commits a Mean Action — Arrived in Camp in Good 
Time — Evidently among the Mountains — Travels of a Gentleman 
— Journey through Sandy Plains — Unfeelingness of some of the 
Wagoners — Cold Consolation for Poor Footmen — Wagon Masters 
— Their Authority — Offset to the Above — Hospital Wagons — En- 
camp — Good Water, but no Wood — The General receives Infor- 
mation of a Fortification — March — All Ready for a Brush — No 
Mexican Soldiers, but a Dozen of Apple Carts — The Boys Charge 
on the Apples — The Indian again Busy — The "Sucker's" Mis- 
fortune — Encampment, and "Visit to the Rancho — Witness a Speci- 
men of Mexican Slavery— Hot Spring— Cross several Streams — 
A Dragoon almost Drowned — The Indian and the Kid — Monclova 
— Its Surrender by the Alcalde thereof— Encamp within three 
miles of Monclova — Orders given to Clean, Shave and Cut Hair. 

The place where we were encamped was covered with 
a very thick chaparal, and any quantity of prickly pears. 
If we may be allowed to quote scripture, and these are the 
pricks referred to in the good book, it would indeed be hard 
to kick against them. But to our narrative. 

A certain Colonel, not any too strenuous in his morals, 
happened to be officer of the day. In going his usual rounds, 
he happened to get entangled in a dense cluster of prickly 
pears. Just at this critical juncture, the sentinel hailed him, 
when the following dialogue occurred. Its repetition will no 
doubt be diverting to the majority of volunteers, but for 
the refined ear, it is rather blasphemous. We give it, how- 



40 NARRATIVE OF THE 

ever, verbatim, merely to show what sort of an animal a 
Rackensacker is : 

Sentinel. — " "Who comes there?" 

Just at this moment the refined Colonel struck his knee 
against one of the goading articles, while the sentinel was 
concluding the last word. The Colonel was stung so vividly 
that, in the pain, he cried out — 

.cj__sC— t!" 

Sentinel.^''^ Halt ! J — s C — t ! and send the twelve 
Apostles with the countersign." 

The Colonel after this merely remarked, " A pretty dark 
night, friend," and passed on without any further interrog- 
atories. 

The following morning found us ready for the march, but 
we were somewhat detained, in consequence of having to pass 
a miry piece of ground on our road. In a very short time 
it was rendered passable for the train. As we marched on 
we passed several ranchos, where, from appearances, they 
were in the custom of raising an immense quantity of sugar 
cane. 

During this day we saw a very mean act committed by an 
officer, who should have shown a better example to his men. 
Coming to a place where there were some neatly finished 
gourds hanging out, doubtless for sale, the officer rode up, 
took one of the finest of them, and handed the old lady (ap- 
parently the owner of them) a five dollar gold piece. No 
doubt the woman never had, in all her life, a sum of money 
like this. She immediately began to make signs with her 
hands, in order to let him know that she could not change it, 
which the gentleman understood to mean that she was pre- 
senting it to him, or at all events a spectator might have 
judged so, for he wheeled his horse about, saying: '^3Iuc/ies 
grasiousj'" and galloped ofl!', leaving the old lady minus her 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 4*7 

beautiful gourd. We subsequently heard him relate how he 
came by it, and the trick he had played on the old lady to 
obtain it for nothing. Had we not heard him boast of the 
act, we would not have noticed it ; but our intention is to 
give every occurrence where injustice was done. The offi- 
cer shall suffer alike with the private. We shall defer giving 
the officer's name, but if ever these lines should meet 
his eyes, he will remember it. 

We arrived in camp in good time. We were encamped 
on what once had been a stream of water, but which was 
now reduced to a few stagnant pools. We would ask our 
readers, or at least that portion of them who have never 
undertook such a campaign, how they would relish clearing 
a greasy scum off the stagnant water, and quenching their 
thirst with such a beverage. But after marching 15 or 20 
miles, under a sun almost hot enough to set fire to the dry 
twigs, we were glad to find water as good as this. 

We were now evidently among the mountains. As they 
arose lowering above our heads, without a green thing visible, 
they presented a very romantic aspect ; the distance you 
seem to be from them is also very deceptive. We heard a 
gentleman say that when he came to camp he intended to 
take a walk to the mountains, from which he could take a 
view of the surrounding country. He started and walked 
on, incautious of the distance he had went, when upon look- 
ing up, he discovered that the mountains appeared to be as 
far off as when viewed from the camp. It is needless to 
say that he proceeded no farther, but returned to camp, 
which he reached some time after dark — some fears having 
been entertained for his safety. We afterwards learned that 
it was fully 20 miles to the base of the mountains. 

The following day our journey was through one of those 
dry and sandy plains, known now to every man belonging to 



^ NARRATIVE OF THE 

the Central Division. The suffering for want of water in 
crossing these plains is beyond all conception of the mind. 
We cannot speak very favorably of some of the wagoners 
who belonged to the train, for they had the advantage of hav- 
ing a small cask attached to each wagon. However, we have 
no doubt that it was designed by the proper authorities for 
the troops to be supplied therefrom also — but the wagoners 
turned it into a speculation ; consequently we have seen 
them exacting twelve-and-a-half cents for a single drink. As 
some of our soldiers were not very flush of money, they 
were compelled to suffer exceedingly, while the hard-hearted 
wagoner would haul it to the next camp, there tlirow it out, 
and fill the cask the next morning, in order to have fresh 
water for sale. We are certain that if the Quarter Master 
had known it, there would have been a stop put to such 
foul proceedings. 

We have seen footmen who were so fatigued and exhaust- 
ed that they could with difficulty get along. In this condi- 
tion they would lay themselves down by the side of the road, 
and wait for the train. They not unfrequently received but 
a very poor consolation. 

There were a sort of things called wagon-masters, clothed 
with about as much authority as a corporal of a company 
of soldiers. When circumstances similar to the above occur- 
red, and the poor wayworn soldier would request permis- 
sion to ride, these petty officers would exercise their author- 
ity by refusing them, with not a few curses. By this author- 
itative treatment, the exhausted pedestrian was compelled to 
fall behind, and perhaps not reach the camp till after night- 
fall, besides running a great risk of falling a victim to the 
lariette or lasso of some murderous rancher o. 

As an ofl^'set to the above, we could make some few hon- 
orable exceptions, for we have known some who would assist 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 49 

the helpless soldier, as far as ihey could. It is true there 
were regular hospital wagons for the sick, but these were 
mostly crowded with men who were very ill, or totally un- 
able to move. 

This evening we encamped on a small stream of tolerably 
good water, but we had no wood. The cooking done here 
was not very extensive. 

About dark the General received information that the 
Mexicans were fortifying a pass about thirty miles in ad- 
vance, for the purpose of opposing our progress. The cav- 
alry and artillery had orders to be ready to march at 4 o'clock 
the next morning, in order to rout the Mexicans out, before 
they could get their ends accomplished. 

According to orders, the cavalry and artillery set out, un- 
der command of Colonel Harney — and a more appropriate 
officer could not have been selected. When we had pro- 
ceeded about 12 miles, we were met by some Mexicans, who 
confirmed the report. Here, also, General Wool and his 
escort joined the advance, for the old hero could not think 
of remaining behind, when there were prospects for a fight. 
We finally arrived in sight of the pass, but no Mexicans 
could be descried with the naked eye ; consequently the 
column halted, and Mr. Gregg, author of " Commerce of 
the PrairieSi^ being one of General Wool's aids, and inter- 
preter, was sent to the summit of a hill close by, to recon- 
noitre the pass by the aid of a telescope. His report was, 
that he saw Mexicans and the semblance of a camp, but as 
to their employment, he was unable to make it out. Things 
now looked as if we were to have a fight for certain. Every 
man examined the priming of his guui and all seemed wil- 
ling to have a brush. 

On coming within about a mile of the pass, we could see 
Mexicans very plainly to the left of it, and something that 



M l^ARRATIVE OF THE 

resembled a stone wall, but we could see no cannon, or any 
other kind of arms. On coming up to the pass, no one ap- 
peared to oppose us, and we marched through without in- 
terruption. Having got through, and surveying the location 
around us, we indeed discovered a camp. It was not the 
camp of Mexican soldiers, however, but about a dozen of 
carts, laden with apples on their way to San Rosaliia. This 
indeed was a rarity. The troops were halted, and presently 
a well dressed Mexican appeared, and very politely invited 
General Wool and his staff to his house, which was within 
the stone wall we had seen — his rancho being walled in, as 
security against the depredations of the Camanche Indians. 

The boys, as soon as the General was out of sight, con- 
cluding that they had been fooled once more, and that they 
ought to have some recompense, unceremoniously charged 
the apple carts. Those who had money paid for their apples, 
but those who had not that indispensable medium of trade, 
^id not just exactly steal them, but as the volunteers say, 
they mustered them into service. 

We saw our Native American friend among the rest, 
supplying not only himself, but many others, whose moral 
lionesty would not permit ihem to partake of the sport, but 
who imagined that it was no sin to eat them, after they 
had been taken in an illegal manner. The Mexicans could 
not stand this game. They had to fall back. However, we 
think they did not lose much ; for those who did pay for 
their apples paid a pretty good price, viz : twelve-and-a-half 
cents for three. Thus our readers, we have no doubt, will 
think they were served right. The infantry and train did 
not arrive here until pretty late in the evening — so the 
" Suckers" had the misfortune to miss the grand charge 
made upon the apple carts by the " Rackensackers." 

We encamped here the following day, for the purpose of 



CENTRAL DIVISION, 5f 

resting. As a matter of course, we had a chance of recon- 
noitreing the place. We paid a visit to the rancho. Here 
we had an opportunity of witnessing the horrors of Mexican 
slavery. We entered a large enclosure, where we beheld 
about one hundred small huts, and in these there were indeed 
objects of pity, living, or rather staying, in all the dirt and 
filth imaginable. It was a shocking sight indeed, and we do 
conjecture that if some of our anti-slavery lecturers had been 
there, they would have had a subject to expatiate on for 
at least one lunar year. A German blacksmith, who had 
been working there for about twenty-five years, informed us 
how these folks were reduced to, and held in slavery. It 
seems they are there for debt, having been involved to such 
an extent that it was impossible to extricate themselves ; 
consequently, the owner of such a rancho paid their debts,^ 
while these unfortunate debtors were to work for him until 
the debt was paid. In this way they have been duped. 
The wages allowed them for their labor is from two to four 
dollars per month, and about one peck of corn per week. 
Such wages are of course inadequate to the support of them- 
selves and families. In a very short space of time they get 
so involved to this gentleman of the rancho, that they never 
can emancipate themselves, and thus they remain in this kind 
of slavery all their lives. 

Contiguous to this place is a remarkably hot spring, to 
which a considerable number of invalids resort — its medi- 
cinal properties being considered of the first order. 

The following morning we proceeded on our march, 
crossing several small streams, at one of which a very seri- 
ous accident (almost) occurred. The current was exceed- 
ingly rapid. One of the cavalry went down to the edge 
to water his horse, when the horse slipped off the bank, 
and fell in, over head and ears. It was with the greatest 



52 NARRATIVE OF THE 

difficulty that he was rescued. The horse floated down two 
hundred yards, and then reached the shore in safety. 

Our march this day was only 12 miles, hence we encamp- 
ed very early. We were now 18 miles from Monclova. 
Nothing special took place this evening, and in the morning 
we marched for that place. We did not observe anything 
worthy of notice, except while going ahead we saw our 
Indian fiiend carrying a kid behind his saddle. We enquired 
of him how he came in possession of it. " O," said he, *' I 
had an old load in my gun, and I wanted to discharge it. I 
did n't want to waste the cartridge, so I tried my sight on 
this young goat. Won't you have apiece of it to-night?" 
We told him we had no objection. 

Finally we got within three miles of Monclova, but at 
this distance it was not visible, being surrounded by hills. 
The column halted here, to wait for the Alcalde of the city 
to come out and surrender it. This dignitary did not make 
his appearance as soon as was expected. However, just as 
Captain Washington had suggested the propriety of ad- 
vancing to the suir.mit of one of the hills which overlook 
the city, and sending an iron messenger for him, he arrived 
with his long train of attendants. After the usual compli- 
ments, he commenced to parley, but General Wool had not 
come to parley. He politely requested him to deliver up 
the city, and the public property, and told him that he would 
be held responsible for the good behavior of the Mexicans. 
To these terms his Honor the Alcalde agreed, or rather had 
to agree. 

General Wool did not deem it necessary to enter the city 
that evening; consequently we encamped within three miles 
of Monclova on the 31st of October, 1846. We had depart- 
ed from San Antonio on the 2Gth of September, making 
thirty-six days from the time of taking up our line of march, 



CENTRAL DIVISrON. 53 

till we reached Monclova — travelling a distance of 417 
miles. 

On the ensuing day an order was read, informing us that 
Brigadier General Shields would have the immediate com- 
mand of the troops, and also that that officer would review 
us the next day, for which purpose every man should be 
shaved, and have his hair cut, and clean himself up in the 
best manner possible. 



54 NARRATIVE OF THE 



CHAPTER VIL 

The Boys think hard of the Order to Shave— Major Warren appoint- 
ed Governor of Monclova— Mexican Market— The Indian again on 
the Carpet — Joined by a Squadron of Dragoons — Orders for a Great 
Military Parade — Enter Monclova — Description of it — Encamp 
about a mile from ihe City — Volunteers destroy the Cotton Trees — 
Orders on the 4th to march by the 8th — Hard Speeches — Sickness in 
the Camp — Poor Shelter and worse Nourishment — Junction of the 
Rear of the Central Division — Captain Hunter's Company — Rein- 
forcement — A regular Encampment — The Provost Guard — Its use 
— The Indian again — The Morning of the 8th arrives — Orders to 
Scout, &c. — Mexican Flour — Its Inferiority — Soldiers Curse in con- 
sequence thereof — Gen. Wool not to Blame — In for it — Sickness 
Bad and Duty Irksome — Coffee Scarce — Hospital. 

The orders we had received, so far as the cleaning and 
hair-cutling business was concerned, were cheerfully obeyed, 
without the least demur ; but that clause which required 
every man to shave, was something of moment, because 
there were not a few beardless boys belonging to the Central 
Division, who otherwise stood in ranks with whiskered 
bipeds, and who, very naturally, and as a matter of course, 
thought themselves men too. It wounded their very sensi- 
tive feelings to think of doing that which they never did be- 
fore. However, they postponed the matter until the next 
day, and some of the young " Suckers" were about sending 
a deputation to the General, to ask him to have the obnoxious 
part of that law repealed, viz : that " every man should be 
shaved," when the drums beat, and the bugle sounded. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 55 

announcing that tlie time had arrived for the review, and 
thus they had to abide the consequences of appearing with- 
out being shaved. 

We were reviewed by General Shiekls — who, in compli- 
ment to him, is a noble looking and dignified personage — and 
as he said nothing to the young volunteers, about not being 
shaved, he of course became a favorite. 

We had forgot to mention that prior to this General Wool 
had taken up his quarters in the city — likewise Colonel Har- 
ney. Major Warren was appointed Governor, and two 
companies of the 1st Illinois Volunteers, under Captains. 
Morgan and Prentis, formed a police, to enforce orders. 

Here we had a Mexican market, with all its delicacies, but 
they demanded such exorbitant prices for them, that some 
of the boys were compelled to adopt the old mode of mus- 
tering into service — at all events the Indian was seen to eat 
as many cakes and other good things as any one, although 
he was never seen to purchase anything. We asked him. 
how he managed matters so adroitly as never to be discov- 
ered by the Mexicans? " O," said he, "thai is a very 
easy matter. You see I wait until dark, when the Mexicans 
start for home. I then lie in the buslies until a man comes 
along. Then I run out with my gun, and skeer him so bad 
that he leaves his basket, and then I have nothing to do but 
help myself." Next day we asked him why he did not 
sheer the old women, saying that we thought they would be 
easier frightened than the men ? He burst into a loud laugh, 
and said we were mistaken, that he had tried them, and 
found that they were braver than the men. 

On the 3d of November, we were joined by a squadron of 
dragoons, and a part of Captain W. G. Preston's company 
of Arkansas Cavalry, under command of First Lieutenant 



56 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Tomlin, escorting some wagons loaded with money for the 
payment of the troops. 

On the same day we received orders to be ready for a 
great military parade on the following day, for the purpose 
of celebrating the capture of Monclova, and also to move 
our camp within one mile of the city. Great indeed was 
the preparation for this splendid affair — not because it was 
new to the soldiers (for we think that by this time they were 
getting tired of parading), but for the purpose of seeing who 
would attract the attention of the senoritas most. Accord- 
ingly, next day, at 10 o'clock, the troops were formed in a 
line, and marched off for the city — the artillery in advance, 
the infantry in the centre, and the dragoons and cavalry 
bringing up the rear. In this manner we entered the city. 
As we entered we had to pass through a beautiful promenade, 
lined with large cotton-wood trees. On either side was a 
row of seats as white as alabaster, and at one end was a 
large monument, with some inscription on it, but not being 
very well versed in the Spanish language, we were under the 
necessity of remaining ignorant of its import. On arriving 
at the plaza, Major Bonneville's Battallion formed into line 
and saluted ihe troops as they passed, by a roll of the drum. 
The sound was very strange, the houses being so close that 
it appeared as if we were going through a vault. The plaza 
was crowded with Mexicans of all classes, from the aristo- 
cratic caballero down to the humble pion. The cathedral, 
which stands in the plaza, is beautiful indeed ; a better 
piece of architecture we think we never saw. It is equal, if 
not superior, in magnificence and ornament, to the celebrated 
church at Saltillo, of which so much has been said by the 
correspondents of the newspaper press of the United States. 
After parading through the principal streets of the city, we 
started for our new camp, which was about one mile dis- 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 57 

tant, on the summit of a small eminence, with not a particle 
of wood visible, except some young coiton-wood and fig 
trees, which had been planted there. 

On these the volunteers made a general rush, and soon de- 
molished them, fur which we subsequently were informed 
the General had to pay, or rather did pay, the sum of $400. 
Thus, from this time forth the troops had to buy the wood 
they used, from the Mexicans, who brought it about ten 
miles on donkeys, at the rate of twenty-live cents, a load. 
The consequence was that not a few fights came off in the 
morning, because, as we have before said, money was some- 
what scarce with some of the boys. They had, therefore, 
to come the Indian over the rest. 

The next day, 4lh of November, we received orders to 
hold ourselves in readiness to take up the line of march by 
the 8th — where to, we knew not. It was very afilictive for 
us to think of setting off so soon. All expected that we 
would remain here fifteen or twenty days, because by this 
time we were worn down, and very tired. 

Hard speeches were by this time heard, respecting Gen. 
Wool and the late false alarms. Some went so far as to say 
that they suspected him to be a little frictions minded. 

Sickness now began to make its way through the camp, 
and this caused numbers to be dissatisfied. It is truly dis- 
couraging to be ill in the army, for very few, whose disease 
reaches to an exacerbating degree, ever recover. Not hav- 
ing any shelter, except that which a tent aflords, you have 
no hairier against the weather; nor have you anything to 
eat but salt pork or beef, of the poorest quality. This is 
exceedingly poor nourishment for the sick soldier. 

The following day we were joined by the rear of the 
Central Division. The following is a list of the officers- 
names : 



58; NARRATIVE OF THE 

Colonel S. Churchill, Inspector General, U. S. A., com- 
manding. 

First Lientenant J. H.Carlton, 1st Dragoons, Aid-de-camp. 

Major C. Thomas, Quarter Master, U. S. A. 

Captain Davis, Acting Assistant Quarter Master. 

Captain Howard, A. C. S. 

Doctor E. B. Price, Surgeon. 

Doctor J. H. White, do. 

Captain George H. Blake, 2d Dragoons, commanding de- 
tachment of Artillery Dragoons and Infantry. 

Brevet Second Lieutenant J. Oaks, 2d Dragoons, on duty 
with Captain Blake. 

Captain W. G. Preston, Arkansas Volunteers, with the 
remainder of his company. 

Colonel W. H. Bissel, commanding 2d Illinois Volunteers. 

Lieut. Colonel Morrison, 2d Illinois Volunteers. 

Major Trail, do. do. 

And seven companies of the 2d Illinois Volunteers,, 
commanded by the following officers : 

Captains Wheeler, Miller, Baker, Coffee, Lott, Arm- 
strong, and Lemon. 

Captain Charles A. Seefeld, commanding one company 
of Texas Volunteers. 

Captain Humerus company of Arkansas Volunteers came 
as far as the Rio Grande, but were then ordered to remain 
there, to assist Captain Moore, of the 1st Illinois Volunteers, 
in eonstructmg a fortification to defend the ford. 

The detachment that left San Antonio under Colonel 
Churchill, numbered, in the aggregate, 724 ; but in conse- 
quence of Captain Hunter's company remaining behind, only 
660 joined us. With this reinforcement, we deemed our- 
selves ready and prepared for any emergency. 

We had now gone into a regular encampment, and the 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 59 

guards were as follows : One main gu£Crd, one provost guard, 
two flank guards, and one mounted piquet. There was also 
one patrol, for the purpose of patrolling the town. 

The provost guard was the one to which prisoners were 
taken, that is, men who committed deeds in camp, such as 
refusing to do duty, &c., when detailed for that purpose, or 
leaving the camp without permission from the proper author- 
ities — in fact for any petty offence. They were put to hard 
labor, until they were brought up for trial. Frequently after 
this they were subjected to hard labor for fifteen or twenty 
days more, and had five or ten dollars of their pay witheld. 
It was very unpalatable to the volunteers to undergo the 
above punishment for such a small offence as leaving camp 
without leave. 

Thus our Indian became an almost constant victim — not 
for plundering the Mexicans, but for being absent at roll call. 
However, to use his own words, he went there for the im- 
provement of his health — for, when there, he was generally 
very sick, or at least appeared so. The fact is, we never 
sav/ an individual who could feign sickness better than he. 
He was naturally of a dark cast, but on these occasions his 
phiz was extremely white, or rather pale, so that the provost 
marshal could not get much work out of him before his trial. 
Afterwards, he had always to be sent there, for work he 
would not for the Sergeant ; hence, he was only sent there 
to serve out his time. He was sentenced to labor, but no 
labor would he perform. He said they might slop his pay, 
but he vould make it up off the Mexicans. As for work, he 
said he would never do any, as long as he could fool them, 
which he generally contrived to do. 

Finally the morning of the 8th arrived, but no prepara- 
tions were being made for marching. For once we had 
received orders to march without getting things in order. 



60 NARRATIVE OF THE 

This day Captain Porter's company of Arkansas Volun- 
teers received orders to draw four days' rations, and to be 
ready to proceed on a scout. They were also to reconnoitre 
and examine a pass on the road to Chihuahua, to ascertain if 
it was passable for wagons. Accordingly they set out on 
the following morning. 

We now commenced to draw Mexican flour, instead of 
American — and such stuff! In the way of making bread, it 
reminded us of Dr. Franklin's celebrated saw dust pudding. 
Was not this food for soldiers ? Such food is used in our 
country for feeding swine. And this stuff was made up into 
a sort of cake, for the sustenance of rational creatures — of 
men who had left all the delicacies which nature bestows on 
man, friends, and everything else, to go and contend for their 
country, right or wrong ! 

Not one man, or at least no soldier, that belonged to the 
Ceneral Division, can cease to remember what was vulgarly 
termed ^" musquit bread." Not a few maledictions were 
heaped upon the devoted head of the man that introduced it 
into the American camp. It was generally presumed that 
the General had it done, in order to save the American flour 
and crackers for his oflicers, but this we do not believe. 
In looking into the matter, and seeing where the supplies 
had necessarily to come from, we do not believe that the 
General was to blame for taking the opportunity of slipping 
in some Mexican flour, once in a while. It was next to 
impossible to keep up the supplies at this great distance from 
our depots. 

Had guerrilla bands been as numerous then as they were 
a few months afterwards, we would have suffered much 
more ; but " we were in for it," and of course we had to 
abide the consequences. 

About this time coffee began to get very scarce, and half 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 61" 

rations only were issued to the troops. Thus they had to 
dispense with that brown beverage half the time, which 
caused still more complaints. We were now all beginning to 
feel what it was to be soldiers. 

Sickness prevailed to an alarming extent in the camp, 
thus making duty very burthensome on those who still re- 
mained well. Having so many guards to keep up, it brought 
them on that duty at least every third day. 

It was asserted by a correspondent of a certain newspaper 
that General Wool refused to furnish a hospital in town. As 
for the accuracy of this statement, we cannot vouch. If the 
General refused to grant the hospital, we believe he was in- 
duced by proper motives. We do know that when the army 
departed from Monclova, there was a hospital there. What 
length of time it had been in operation, we are unable to say. 



6S NARRATIVE OF THE 



CHAPTER YIII. 

Description of the Country around Presidio — The Soil — Manner of 
Ditching — Cultivation of Corn — Indolence of the Inhabitants — Man- 
ner of Conveying Water — Farms without Enclosures — Agricultural 
Productions — Sheep, Goats, Swine and Neat Cattle — Mode of Cook- 
ing Victuals — Higher Class Condition of Neat Cattle — Sheep infe* 
rior — Timber on the Mountains — Country around Monclova — City 
of Monclova — Mills and Flour — Stores — Trade from St. Louis. 

As nothing is transpiring in camp worthy of note, just at 
this time, we will beg the indulgence of our readers, and 
proceed to give a description of the country between Presidio 
and Monclova. We will not say much concerning the char- 
acter of the Mexicans, except where necessity compels us, 
for so much has been said and written about them, that 
they have scarcely any character left. 

The country from Presidio to the Sabinass is what may 
be termed one extensive prairie, or plain — for the contrast 
is so great between it and the beautiful savannahs of Texas, 
that the term prairie is hardly appropriate. On the latter, 
grass grows abundantly, with an occasional interspersion of 
large trees; but on the former, grass is very scarce, except 
on streams. As for timber, none is to be found, save a very 
inferior quality of musquit wood, a kind of shrub, some- 
thing akin to our bramble bushes. In fact every bush, no 
matter what kind, bears thorns. Along the immediate banks 
of the Sabinass and Alamo, there are some tolerably good 
sized cypress growing, but they are of little use to the 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 63 

inhabitants of the surrounding country, because those tliat 
are large enough for any use are generally so diseased as to 
be of little or no service. There is a species of the palmetto 
growing on the plains, which attains the height of twenty 
feet. It is sometimes used by the peasantry for making 
doors, Slc, but is very pithy, and generally rots in the 
course of a year. Therefore we cannot call it wood» 

The soil is extremely thin and poor on these plains, save 
where there is water; in such places it is very good, and pro- 
duces well. It is commonly very sandy, and is so broken by 
incessant rains during the rainy season, that it holds out no 
inducements for emigration. The land which is fertile has 
to be ditched, in consequence of the long droughts, which 
last from August to June. It rains but seldom during this 
time, and what litde tliere is, is of little consequence ; but in 
June and July it rains continually. 

The manner of ditching and flooding the farms is by 
digging a large or main ditch from some stream or spring, 
and in this way water is conveyed to and through a rancho. 
By this plan, a rancho of 200 acres can be watered in one 
day. We have seen water conveyed 40 miles, to some ha- 
cienda or village. 

The inhabitants generally raise two crops of corn in the 
year, but, for want of attention, one good crop raised by an 
American farmer is worth both. 

The people of this country are very indolent. They 
have no implements of husbandry, which accounts for the 
wretched culture of the soil, and the poor crops. 

The Mexican farm has no enclosure, the stock being taken 
care of by shepherds or herdsmen. Very litde trouble is 
experienced, except from droves of ranging cattle. To pre- 
vent their intrusion, small huts are built around the farm, at 
the distance of one-fourth of a mile, or less, according to the 



64 NARRATIVE OF THE 

extent of the farm, and in each of these a man is stationed, 
for the purpose of watching and driving off intruders. 

The agricultural productions of a rancho, in this portion of 
Mexico, are commonly nothing more than corn and red pep- 
pers. The latter is one of their favorite vegetables. They 
use it in everything. We have seen a pion take his bowl 
of chili, manufactured into a sort of sauce, with some tortil- 
las (corn cakes), of which he would make a hearty meal. 

In the stock line, they raise goats, sheep, swine and neat 
cattle. Goat flesh forms their favorite animal food. When 
prepared for the table, it is cooked upon the naked embers, 
mostly broiled to a hard crust, so that all the strong offensive 
smell and taste, which is peculiar to goats, is removed. After 
it is cooked in this manner, they cover it with red peppers, 
which makes it, in their opinion, a very savory dish. We 
do not believe, however, that an American would relish it. 

The higher class of Mexicans live better, and have more 
and different sorts of vegetables, such as the potatoe (but 
this is of an inferior quality), the cabbage, onions, &;c. 
This latter root grows to an extraordinary size, but it is 
seldom eaten by the lower classes. 

Their neat cattle are of a tolerably good kind, bat in com- 
mon very meagre. Their horses are small, but exceedingly 
hardy, and not unfrequently rather handsome. Notwith- 
standing the roads in Mexico are rough and rocky, they 
never shoe their horses. We have seen some of the cavalry 
trade or sell them a worn out horse, and the moment they 
could call him their own, they would tear the shoes off of his 
feet. If you ask the reason, they will say "no hiiena,^^ 
meaning " not good." 

Their sheep are much inferior to the American sheep in 
size and appearance, but their wool is of a very good quality 
— at least they make exceedingly fine blankets of it, so fine 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 65 

that we have known more than one of them to sell for from 
fifty to sixty dollars. 

The country from the Sabinass to Monclova is imcom- 
monly mountainous. Timber is very scarce. The summits 
of the mountains bear what is termed ^'pinon,^^ or pine, but 
it can hardly be attained, owing to the difficulty of reaching 
it. When this is done, the mountains are ascended by climb- 
ing from peak to peak, and by winding around them. The 
timber being cut, is rolled off, and then falls to the foot of the 
mountain. Sometimes it becomes so injured by the fall that 
it is of little use or value for any purpose. There are a few 
cotton-wood trees growing about the ranchos, but these, 
we opine, have in almost every instance been imported 
thither, for we have never seen any growing in a wild state. 

The productions of the country between the Sabinass and 
Monclova are similar to those between Presidio and the 
Sabinass. The country immediately around Monclova is 
tolerably good, and the soil fertile. It produces well. We 
have seen corn and sugar cane growing very well. We have 
likewise seen some cotton growing here. It did not appeal* 
to be doing very well, but we suppose it was owing to a 
want of attention. We have been told that when it is right- 
ly attended to, it produces equal to some of our Southern 
States. However, unless land can be obtained in the neigh- 
borhood of water, we do not think it would produce at all, 
on account of its being of a dry and sandy nature. Around 
Monclova, water is plenty. We must say that the crops in 
general looked better here than any we had previously seen. 

The city of Monclova, the capital of the State of Coihulia, 
is situated between and in the midst of small hills and ridges, 
through which water is conveyed, by means of canals and 
ditches, from the main stream, which winds its way among 
the hills, about a mile from the city. We noticed several 

6- 



Q^ NARRATIVE OF THE 

flouring mills in the neighborhood, but they do not make 
good flour. We have before spoken of its quality. The 
population of the city is about 10,000. 

There are some very fine stores in the place, kept by 
Mexican merchants, but they sell goods high. We saw a 
trader from St. Louis, who had married and was residing 
there. We asked him how he liked the country. "Like 
the country !" said he ; "that is something I never could do 
—but I got a right smart sprinkle of money by marrying the 
woman I did, and I contrive to fool these yellow fellows 
out of a great deal more — so 1 manage to live pretty com- 
fortably." We asked him how the citizens liked our camp- 
ing there. He said they liked it very well, for money was 
more plenty then than it ever was before, and that they could 
sell their produce for three times as much to the Americans 
as to their own people. This we did not doubt. 

We have now said more about the country than we had 
intended at first, and have no doubt kept our readers in sus- 
pense long enough. We will therefore retrace our steps to 
camp, and observe what is going on there. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 07 



CHAPTER IX. 

General Melee about the Corn Laws — Steel Mills — Delegates Assem- 
bled — A Speech made — Order Commanded — Speech Concluded — 
Committee Appears — Resolutions Read — The Indian — Meeting Ad- 
journs — The Regular Insulted — Officer forms a Guard — Something 
about Corn — Prayer Meeting — Officer's Plan frustrated — Desired 
effect of the Corn Meeting — A Rumor — Express to General Taylor 
— Trick played on an Officer — Dialogue — Lariat and Spur — Dis- 
charged with an Admonition — Nine Ears of Corn. 

It was now the lltli of November. A general melee was 
created in consequence of the celebrated corn laws having 
come into vogue, which we have no doubt our readers have 
alread}^ heard of. Great, indeed, was the excitement. 

Steel mills had been provided (one for each company of the 
command) at San Antonio, in case an emergency should 
arise. The General having learned that the soldiers were 
making a great fuss about the Mexican flour, had concluded 
to try the eflects of their grinding their own flour. Accord- 
ingly nine ears of corn were issued daily to cash man. The 
effect was horrible on the volunteers. They needed a Sir 
Robert Peel to advocate their cause, but so distinguished a 
peer they had not, consequently they had to substitute some 
other great man in his place. 

One evening after nightfall delegates from the different 
companies of Rackensacks and Suckers met between the 
camp and camp guard, a sufficient distance from either, so as 
not to be heard, and then framed a series of resolutions for 



68 NARRATIVE OF THE 

the immediate repeal of the prevailing and obnoxious corn 
laws, that threatened a mutiny in the camp. After appoint- 
ing a President, Vice President and Secretary, and other 
necessary officers, they proceeded with the business of the 
meeting, by appointing a committee to draft resolutions. 

After the committee had retired to an adjoining cornstalk 
shed, which had been erected by a Mexican, for the purpose 
of walchino- a fodder stack, the President was called upon to 
address the meeting, although not until a resolution had been 
passed to let reporters liave a chance. He arose, and after 
a cough and hem, which would have done honor to the 
greatest orator of the day, addressed the meeting as follows : 
" Fellow citizens : or, excuse me, if you please, fellow sol- 
diers, as I should have said : It is a source of great satisfac- 
tion to me, to have the honor of addressing such an honora- 
ble body of delegates from the difTerent companies of Arkansas 
and Illinois Volunteers as have met here on the present 
occasion. In the first place, gentlemen,.! presume you all 
know what you have met for. You have met here in order to 
adopt measures to veto one of the greatest outrages ever 
attempted to be imposed upon a civilized people, namely,, 
the corn laws now in force, which compel every man to^ 
draw and grind, with one of them all-fired, infernal, flam- 
busted, penitentiary instruments called. a steel mill, his rations 
of corn. Perhaps it was on one of them that Samson 
ground, after the Philistines had put his eyes out. Now- 
fellow citizens — liem ! horrible !■ — gentlemen, look at the 
impropriety of such a course. Just think of a man being 
so sick that he is unable to get out of bed, hem ! excuse me,, 
out of his blankets, having to grind nine ears of corn for his 
subsistence ; is n't the idea shocking beyond anticipation? 
I wonder if these humbug officers" — [here a quick turning 
of heads might.be seen in every direction, trying to ascer- 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 69 

tain if any of those dignitaries were present] — "think that 
we are going to grind their corn for them. If they do, they 
are mistaken. They will have to treat us like the Philistines 
treated Samson if we do. Yes, gentlemen, they '11 have to 
put out our eyes before we will submit to such indignity and 
tyranny, I assure you. To think that we, men blest with 
health and strength, are going to risk it all by grinding corn 
for other people ! The idea is preposterous. I tell you that 
we are a free and independent people, and have a right to 
express our opinions just as we please, when we are imposed 
upon." By this time some of the other volunteers had col- 
lected to hear the celebrated speech, and among them a reg- 
ular, who had been travelling through the camp, and happen- 
ed to get into the crowd. When he heard the last sentence, 
he exclaimed, " You are not free." 

Tlce President — " I say, order ! order !" Some of the 
volunteers seeing that it was one of them 'tarnal regulars, as 
they termed them, very politely requested him to beat a 
retreat, otherwise it would not be wholesome for him. He 
made himself scarce immediately, and order being restored, 
our orator resumed his speech. 

" I am sorry, gentlemen, that I have been interrupted in 
the middle of my discourse. We will have to meet with 
many obstacles before we obtain that great object which we 
are in pursuit of. Just think how they worked on our feel- 
ings three or four days ago. by giving us wheat bran, because 
it was no better [low murmurs of applause], and when they 
suspected they had us worked into that nice enough, what 
comes next ? Why nine ears of corn are given to us, like 
folks in the United States feed their hogs, and we are told to 
grind them into corn meal, without having a sieve — so we 
have to eat hulls and all." 

About this time the committee appeared, and the President 



70 NARRATIVE OF THE 

concluded by saying : " I hope that the honorable committee 
has framed resolutions that will put a stop to such nefarious 
and abominable proceedings. I return to you my sincere 
thanks for the good attention you have manifested during 
the time I was making the past remarks." 

The President now sat down, not on a chair, but on the 
ground, amid smothered bursts of applause. 

The committee then submitted the following resolutions 
to the Secretary, who proceeded to read them forthwith : 

Resolved, That the object of this meeting is, to take 
measures for the immediate repeal of the corn laws now 
existing, much to the annoyance of the soldier. 

After this resolution was read, our Indian, who was in 
the crowd, cried out: "I wish you would make a law to 
keep them from making innocent men bury dead horses, 
when they have them under guard." 

President, — " Gentlemen, I wish you would keep better 
order." 

Resolved, That this way of feeding volunteers on nine 
ears of corn per day, is unjust, and ought not to be tolerated 
by civilized people. 

Indian. — " I suppose it is to be tolerated by Ingins." 

President, [with a menacing gesture]. — " Order I say, we 
must have order!" 

Resolved, That we, the honorable representatives of the 
regiments of Illinois and Arkansas, will go to our respective 
captains, and prevail upon them to use their influence with 
the General, in order to effect the repeal of this obnoxious 
law. 

Resolved, That when any one Captain refuses to use his 
influence with either General Wool or Shields, his name 
be taken down and kept as a living witness against him^ 
until we are discharged, and that we then and there select a 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 71 

man to give him the all-firedest whipping he ever got in his 
life. 

Indian. — "Yes — and if one can 't whip him, I'll help." 

President. — "If you do not keep order, I will have you 
put out of the hou — ; a-hem, I '11 have you sent to camp." 

Resolved, That if the General will condescend and gra- 
ciously repeal the existing corn laws, this body shall meet 
again, and return him a vole of thanks. 

Resolved, That this meeting, having the repeal of the corn 
laws in view, adjourn now, sine die. 

The regular, stung by the insult he had received at the 
hands of the volunteers, had in the meantime went to the 
guard tent and informed the officer of the guard, whose duty 
it was to disperse all crowds, and keep good order in the 
camp. He told him that a party of volunteers had met for 
the purpose of raising a mutiny in the camp, and that they 
had unceremoniously chased him off. 

The officer, who was a regular, formed the guard imme- 
diately, and marched off, taking the informant with him, and 
arrived 'just in time to hear part of the last resolution, 
particularly the word corn. 

Officer. — " What is all this crowd collected here for ?" 

Presideyit. — " It is nothing but a prayer meeting. Seeing 
that sickness is so prevalent in camp, and so many dying 
every day, we thought we would hold a prayer meeting, and 
try to do a leetle better than we have done heretofore." 

Officer. — "I thought I heard something about corn, as I 
was coming up." 

President. — " 0, that was Mr. Secre — a-hem. It was 
this gentleman of the Arkansas Regiment, who was just at 
prayers. He was saying that he hoped the Lord would let 
us have plenty of corn for our horses, and that our nine ears 
might be of a large size and good quality." 



7f NARRATIVE OF THE 

The officer was not to be put off in this manner. He com- 
manded the guard to take them. The largest portion of the 
guard being volunteers, they of course did not care about 
taking their brethren. Thus a general row commenced, and 
the guard captured none. When the fiiss was over, and the 
officer found none there save the guard and the informant, 
he marched him off to the guard tent, and kept him there all 
night, for satisfaction. 

The corn meeting had its desired effect, for on the follow- 
ing day, one of the Illinois Captains being informed about 
the intentions of the volunteers, not to put up with it, waited 
till they had received their corn. He then ordered every 
man to pick up his nine ears, formed them into a line, and 
marched them out and said : " I will treat the man who 
throws the farthest — prepare to throw — throw !" Away 
went nine successive rounds, but no one knew who threw 
the farthest. The next day they had the great satisfaction 
of having the corn laws repealed, but whether the honorable 
representatives of the Arkansas and Illinois Regiments met 
and passed a vote of thanks we are unable to say. 

This day, being the 13th, a rumor was current in camp 
that Captain Davis, bearer of despatches from General Wool 
to General Taylor, had been massacred, escort and all, by 
General Canales. This caused a great excitement, because 
by him we expected to gain information of when and where 
we would march. At this time it was generally believed that 
we would not go to Chihuahua, for Captain Porter and his 
command had returned, and reported that the road through 
the mountains was very bad. 

It was now the 13th, and First Lieutenant Deshea, of Cap- 
tain Porter's company, Arkansas Regiment, had been detail- 
ed to carry an express to General Taylor, with an escort of 
eight men. This was indeed a small body of men to go sc 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 73 

great a distance through an enemy's country, and that besides, 
when every one was impressed with the rumor that one party 
had already been cut to pieces. But we must say, in honor 
of that gallant officer, that he fearlessly undertook it. On 
the morning of the 14lh he set out, with Sergeant B. F. 
Danley and seven men as an escort. Many looked on them 
as for the last time, and bade them a silent but final farewell. 

This morning I was informed of a trick played off last 
nigiu upon a regular officer, by a Sergeant of the Arkansas 
Cavalry. The Sergeant being on piquet guard, was sent 
into town about 11 o'clock at night, for the purpose of start- 
ing out all stragglers. After patrolling some time, he came 
across an officer, in company with a Mexican, and going at 
a great rate. The Sergeant charged on and overtook him. 
He stopped him, and ordered him off to camp immediately, 
when the following diverting dialogue occurred : 

Officer. — " Are you a Lieutenant ?" 

Sergenaf — " No ; but I am acting under the orders of a 
Lieutenant." 

Officer. — " What is his name, aud upon what authority 
!oes he order officers out of town ?" 

Sergeant. — " I am not going to answer questions. Upon 
what authority he orders officers out of town, I do not know, 
but he told me to take everybody out, and so I will." 

Officer. — "You will not take me." 

Sergeant. — " Won't I, though ? ' Tention guard ; draw 
sabre ! Now you had belter go along without any trouble, 
for if you don't, we '11 have to do something to you that you 
will not relish." 

Officer. — " Do what, you scamp ? I 'II have you shot. 
1 ain't a going to go now. You had better go on, or I will 
«<larm the guard at the plaza.'*' 

While he was saying this, one of the guard was getting 
7 



74 NARRATIVE OF THE 

a lariat, which he had to tie his horse with, into a position 
that it might drop very handsomely over a man's head, and 
catch him in a noose. Another was very cahiily engaged in 
taking a large Mexican spur from his heel, which looked as 
though it was to be introduced into a gentleman's mouth, to 
effect the purpose of keeping him quiet. 

Sergeant. — *' So you won't go along peaceably, won't you ? 
Bill, have you that rope ready ?" On being answered in the 
affirmative, he said, " Drop it over, and Tom, you have that 
big spur ready, to prevent him from hallooing." 

The terrified officer saw that he was bearded in his own 
den, and that he was placed in a pretty awkward predicament. 
He started to run, but the Sergeant was not willing to permit 
him to slip yet, so he ordered gallop, and had him surrounded, 
and the rope thrown around his body. The spur was also 
ready for his mouth, if deemed necessary. 

He now saw that he had better go along quiedy, and he 
told the Sergeant that if he would untie him, he would march 
along in peace. He was untied, the guard formed around 
him, and the men with the rope and the offensive spur walked 
on each side of him, with both the instruments in a threaten- 
ing condition. In this manner they marched the unfortunate 
officer off to the camp, about a mile distant. It is needless 
to say that his Mexican companion had previously evapo- 
rated. 

After marching the officer through the mud and water 
until they came within sight of the camp (having taken great 
precaution not to go within hearing of the regular town 
guard), he halted the patrol and said: " Look here now ; we 
have escorted you this far, so I think you can find the road 
to camp yourself. You regulars pop it to us every time 
you have us in your power ; so I have popped it to you this 
time, and you can either go back to town or to the camp, 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 75 

just as you please ; but after this never endeavor to disturb 
prayer meetings again, in camp, or you might be trapped in 
a worse snap than this. Attention, guard — right — turn — 
gallop — march I" And away they scampered, leaving the 
morlified officer to do as he pleased, either to go to camp, 
or return and seek his Mexican guide. However, we opine 
he made choice of the former. 

Our readers will recognize the officer as the one who 
broke up the corn law meeting, and the Sergeant as the 
gentleman of the Arkansas Regiment, who had prayed for 
the nine ears of corn to be of the largest size and very best 
quality. 



76 NARRATIVE OF THE 



CHAPTER X. 

Cavalry and Dragoons to march — Pelonselas and the Wooden Leg — 
Experience a Norther — Joined by Major Borland — Ordered up by 
Daylight — Suflerings from the Cold — Entire Force — Rest and Draw 
Ten Dollars — Marched through Town — Qur Indian used up — Lost 
his Tobacco — Encamped at a Hacienda — Captain Davis not Massa- 
cred — A Charming Place — Intense Heat — Food Improving — Fare 
tolerably well — Poor Beef— Troops Encamped and daily Drilled — 
Took up a small Cannon-^General Shields and Colonel Harney — 
Sad Parting — Harney's Brass Band — Auld Lang Syne — Joined by 
the whole Command — Ordered to march — Destined for Paras — Six 
Month's Spent — Failure of the Project — Reflections. 

Nothing occurred worthy of notice until the 16th, when 
an order was oriven for the Cavalry and Dragoons to be ready 
to march on the following day. 

Wagons were being loaded by the Quarter Master, and 
everything appeared to be in a bustle. No one knew where 
we were destined to go. A report got into circulation that 
about eight thousand lancers were in the vicinity, and also a 
notion that Santa Anna had been in our camp, selling pelon- 
sellaSy in disguise. Every Mexican hucksier was closely 
scrutinized, to see if he had the appearance of having a wooden 
leg. 

On the night of the 15th we exj)erienced a noriher. Being 
very dusty in camp the blow on us was tremendous. Sev- 
eral tents were blown in every direction, and the inmates left 
to the fury of the blast, and to the merciless breath of old 
Boreas. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 77 

On the morning of the 16th, at 4 o'clock, we were joined 
by Major Solon Borland, Doctor John W. Glenn, Assistant 
Surgeon, and two Companies of Arkansas Cavalry, com- 
manded by Captain Patri&k and First Lieutenant Taylor, 
numbering 141 men. The aggregate force, counting some 
men who had been detained by sickness, and who now came 
up in this command, amounted to 164. They had been met 
by an express from General Wool, at the hot springs, at 8 
o'clock in the evening, ordering them up by daylight the 
next morning. 

No one can imagine how they must have suffered from 
the severity of the wind and cold. The troops were now 
all up, except Captain Hacker's company, being detained at 
San Antonio, to guard that place, and Captain Hunter's com- 
pany of the Arkansas Regiment, and Captain Moore's com- 
pany of the 1st Illinois Regiment, which were left at the 
Rio Grande, for the purpose of constructing a fort, of which 
we have previously spoken. 

Our entire force was now in the field, with the exception 
of the above three companies. The whole number, including 
those on the sick list, made an aggregate of 2,688. 

At 10 o'clock, A. M., four companies of the Arkansas 
Cavalry (Captains English and Dillord's companies beingona 
scout did not accompany us,) and one squadron of the 2d 
Dragoons, commanded by Major B. L. Beale, the whole 
under command of Colonel Archibald Yell, Arkansas Cav- 
alry, were ordered to marcli — leaving behind Major Borland's 
command, to come up in the evening, in order to rest, and 
each man to draw ten dollars. We forgot to mention that the 
troops had been paid a part of their wages here. The 
Volunteer Infantry received three months' pay, the regular 
Dragoons and Infantry two months', and the Arkansas Regi- 
ments ten dollars to each man. 

7* 



78 NARRATIVE OF THE 

We marched through town, but it was very difficult work 
for the rear guard to get some of the volunteers out, because 
they wanted a little aguadiente before starling on a journey 
of which they knew nothing. But finally they ail left town 
and went on. Being attached to this regiment, of course we 
had to accompany it. 

Marching onward, we observed our Indian, whom we had 
not seen in camp that morning, with his face wonderfully 
used up. We enquired how he came to be so badly hurt. 
" O, I 'm a used up Ingin," said he. We asked him how. 
*' Why, you see I understood that last night was the last one 
we were to remain in Monclova ; so I thought I would just 
go to a fandango, and see what I could pick up by the way. 
I could not find a fandango myself, and I got some Mexicans 
to show me where there was one. So off we started, myself 
and four Mexicans. They took me up out of the main part of 
the city. I did not like to go, but they began to talk, and 
from what 1 could judge, they said the General would not 
allow fandangos in town. I went on, and just as we entered 
into an exceeding dark street, they all laid hold of me. I 
supposed I was a match for four Mexicans, any time, with 
my big butcher knife, but they came it over me this time. 
One fellow took my knife, but he threw it over a fence, to 
keep it himself, 1 suppose, for if he had wanted the others 
to have seen it, he would have stuck me with it. After that 
they commenced beating me, and the way they whipped me 
was a sin to General Wool. I tell you it was not slow. 
Three of them held me, and the other one pounded me. At 
last they dismissed me, and I left. I did n't run very fast, 
though. The first water I came across, I washed myself and 
felt my pockets. They had not taken any money from me, 
because I had none, but they took what was worse.** 
We asked him what that was. " It is something you cannot 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 79 

get out here ; it was the last chew of tobacco," he replied. 
We told him he might get some more from the sutler. " No 
sir," he said ; " he has none, and I 'm a used up Ingin." 

In the evening we encamped at a small hacienda, about 12 
miles from where we started in the morning, beautifully 
situated on the bank of a small stream. Nothing occurred 
worthy of notice, save that in the night an expres-s arrived 
froiii General Wool, with orders for Colonel Yell to halt his 
command, and report at headquarters by 10 o'clock next 
morning. The General had received information that Cap- 
tain Davis was not cut up. This, we presume, was the 
cause of our slopping. Colonel Yell reported according to 
orders, and he likewise received instructions to remain where 
he was, until further ordered. 

This was a charming place. Everything appeared green. 
There were some large cotton- wood trees here, under the 
shade of which the sick remained during the heat of the day. 
We may here mention that the warm part of the day, duiing 
this season, is from 11 o'clock, A. M., to 3 o'clock, P. M., 
during which time the heat is so intense that it is almost 
impossible to endure it. From 3 o'clock, P. M. , to 1 o'clock, 
P. M.,it is comfortable — and from that time till sun-rise, you 
can lie under a couple of Mackinaw blankets without the 
least inconvenience. Thus our readers can form some idea 
of one of the causes from which diseases originate. There 
are also other causes, such as want of proper food, &c., &;c. 

Here food began to improve in quality, a train having come 
to hand with Major Borland, bringing provisions. We now 
commenced to draw one half American and the other half 
Mexican flour. Our rations of coffee were increased, and 
we also drew three fourths of a pound of bacon per man. 
with these additional supplies, we fared tolerably well. It 
was -amusing, indeed, to see the men practising economy, 



80 NARRATIVE OF THE 

endeavoring to make their small allowance of bacon reach as 
far as possible. They generally boiled a small piece of it 
with the poor beef which we here received, in order to 
heighten its flavor, and then divided that piece of bacon among 
a mess of five or six men. In this way they managed to 
make it last a good while. Matters now began to assume a 
somewhat better appearance. The troops now encamped 
at the rancho or hacienda were employed in drilling on horse- 
back in the morning, and on foot in the evening. 

We also took here a small piece of cannon, about a four 
pounder, one of the men having discovered it covered up, 
apparently for the purpose of concealment. On being inter- 
rogated about it, the Mexicans replied that they had it there 
to defend themselves against the Camanciie Indians, but this 
we do not credit, for we were informed of several pieces be- 
ing in Monclova, but when the Mexicans heard of our ap- 
proach they had them removed, and we believe this to have 
been one of them. It was, however, found to be of small 
value from its having once been exploded and the crevices 
filled up with lead ; so it was spiked and left. 

It was now tlie 19th. On this evening Gen. Shields and 
Col. Harney came up with us, and it was now confirmed 
that Capt. Davis had really arrived and brought with him 
orders for those two officers to join Gen. Taylor, and they 
were then on their way, accompanied by a detachment of 
Capt, Dillord's company, Arkansas Regiment, under com- 
mand of First Lieut. Foster, Arkansas Cavalry, 

It was indeed a sad parting with the troops, for Col. Har- 
ney was beloved by the whole command. A great deal has 
been said about this man and his conduct on the frontiers, 
but his disposition here showed him to be of entirely a dif- 
ferent nature and turn of mind from that generally repre- 
sented. He was plain and mild in his conversation and man- 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 81 

ners, and of a noble and commanding a{)pearance, which 
endeared him to every man. He was never once known to 
be overbearing, although second in command, until we reach- 
ed Monclova, and that amongst raw and undisciplined volun- 
teers, but was ever ready to render justice when it was 
needed. 

He had a brass band attached to his squadron of Second 
Dragoons, and, not unfrequently, after we had marched 
twenty -five or thirty miles, and the soldiers were worn down 
and fatigued, he would call his handout and strike up some 
lively air, as he alleged, to revive our spirits. Indeed it 
would revive any one's spirits, for, as it sounded through 
hill and dale with a double echo, it would call us back to the 
remembrance of former days, and every man would start 
with renewed and redoubled vigor and energy. 

We understood that when he left Monclova, his favorite 
band not being permitted to go with him, they met and played 
for him his favorite tune, namely, " Auld Lang Syne." But 
we had to lose Col. Harney, and the Central Division la- 
mented his loss as irreparable. 

The next morning, the 20lh, he set off for Monterey. 
Nothing happened worth noticing until the evening of the 
22d, when we were joined by the whole command except 
Capt. English's squadron, Arkansas Cavalry, and Capt. Mor- 
gan's squadron. First Illinois Volunteers, who were left to 
guard the place and the sick who were not able to travel. 
The whole was under the command of Major Warren, First 
Illinois Regiment. 

We were now ordered to be ready to take up the line of 
march on the following morning at four o'clock. That night 
the wind blew a perfect hurricane. The next morning we 
were all ready by the break of day, and set off, no one 
knew where, save the General himself. We were, however^ 



82 NARRATIVE OF THE 

going somewhere, but not to Chihuahua, for we were not 
on the exact road to that point. However, before night we 
learned that we were destined to go to Paras, about two 
hundred miles from Monclova, and there to await orders 
from Gen. Taylor. 

After about six months had been spent in collecting troops, 
obtaining supplies sufficient for such an expedition, and an 
immense wagon train and other necessaries, the Government 
likewise having spent an enormous amount of money, the 
troops drilled and every thing arranged to take that great 
city of Northern Mexico, the army is marched through a 
barren and unpropiiious soil and climate for upwards of four 
hundred miles, and what is here now revealed to our good 
looking eyes ? Why, the project had failed — the great 
army of Chihuahua had failed ! 

Had the troops, instead of being rendezvoused at an inland 
town hardly attainable, been sent into immediate service 
under Gen. Taylor, we are under the impression that our 
army would now have more foot hold in Mexico than it has ; 
because, they would have reached the field in time to have 
participated in the capture of Monterey, and Gen. Taylor 
could then have advanced with more speed than he has done. 
But, as it is, they underwent twice the hardships and suffer- 
ing that the troops of Gen. Taylor's Division did, and trav- 
elled about four times as far ; all, all to take one town, which 
nine hundred men finally took, after having been one third 
more expense to the Government than any other division. 

But we will not say much concerning these matters. If 
anything wrong has been committed, we will permit more 
efficient writers to discuss the subject with the Government 
at headquarters. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 83 



CHAPTER XI. 

Encamped where Gold had been Washed— Water Good and Wood 
Plenty — Loud Complahits — Marched through a Barren Country — 
Encamped in a Swamp— Travelled Forty Miles Without Water- 
Troops Anticipate Suffering— Suffering from Thirst — Hard Hearted- 
ness of Teamsters — Arrive at Water — The Famished Soldiers 
Treated with it — Numbers Died — Mules Died in their Harness — 
Reflections — Express from Gen. Taylor — Encamped in a Ditch and 
Mexicans stopped the Water — Resumed the March — Palmetto, or 
Soap Plant — High Banks — Travelled Twenty-five miles — Cavalry 
— Advantage over Infantry — Large Fires in the Mountains — March 
Through Dry and Sandy Deserts — Sufferings Great — Encamp at a 
Tank — Plenty of Water Here — Disobedience of Saff Officers — No 
Mutiny — Place Assigned for Arkansas Regiment — Description of 
Disobedience of Staff Officers — Officers all Under Arrest — Officers 
March in Rear — No Water for Thirty-six Miles — The Infantry set 
out — March through a Sandy Plain — Come to Pure Water — Corn 
in Abundance — Arrival at Paras — Don Manuel — Mr. Jackson of 
Kentucky — The "Rico" invited the Officers — The Indian again. 

On this evening the army encamped on a spot of ground 
where formerly there had been a place for washing gold. 
The house still remains and a worn out path up the moun- 
tain was pointed out as leading to the mine. The place for 
washing the ore is a large stone trough, through which the 
water runs ; into this the ore is put and washed. While the 
gold sinks to the bottom the dust runs off. 

The water here was tolerably good and wood was plenty; 
an article that had not been so plenty from the time of our 
arrival at Monclova until now. 



84 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Many were the conjectures this evening- as to where we 
were destined to go, for many were not aware that we were 
going to Paras. We were not going to Chihuahua, that 
was one thing certain. 

The next morning we were up, and after marching through 
an open barren country, as usual, we encamped on a sort of 
a swarnp spring, where the water arose in a muddy or high 
grass swamp. It was exceedingly difficult to get horses 
near it on account of it being so boggy. Wood was very 
plenty here, musquit growing to some extent. Large tires 
might be seen springing up in every direction. 

About eight o'clock in the evening orders came, announc- 
inof to us that we should be readv to march at four o'clock 
next morning, for we had to travel forty miles without wa- 
ter. The troops now began to anticipate some suffering, 
and well they might. None but those who have tried it know 
the suffering that we had to experience in travelling that dis- 
tance, under an almost scorching sun, without water. But 
it had to be done, and so every man submitted to his fate, 
but not without complaints. Some, v/here they could not 
murmur at the General or some other officer, would curse 
themselves for being caught in such a scrape. There was 
some sense in this last expression. 

At 4 o'clock the next morning, the drums beat and the 
bugles sounded, and the army was put in motion. We moved 
along very well, until about 10 o'clock, when the sun beamed 
on us with all its apparent power and wrath. The soldiers 
now began to suffer from thirst. Eleven o'clock came, and 
the heat increased, with redoubled fury. Some could nov/ 
be seen falling back to the rear, but there they would meet 
with poor comfort, in the way of water, from the hard-heart- 
ed wagoners, who had provided themselves with plenty of 
it for sale. I'his day these wretches demanded a double 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 88 

price for this indispensable article. We were told by one 
of the Illinois Volunteers that he had actually paid twenty- 
five cents for one drink of water. Many became so worn 
down that they would fall back altogether. Others would 
sit down and rest, and then proceed again. The men 
were ordered not to leave the ranks. Many who could get 
out no other way, would keep up as long as possible, then 
lie down in the middle of the road, and wait till the troops 
had passed, and then crawl off to the road side. 

After experiencing all the sufferings the imagination could 
portray, from heat and thirst, a portion of the troops arrived 
at a stream of water, and fortunately it was good. Many 
rushed to it to quench their burning thirst, and drank to such 
an excess, that they were soon in a worse condition. 

We pursued our march about three miles further up this 
stream, and then en-camped. After the wagons arrived, and 
the mules were fed, they were forthwith turned back with 
water, not for sale, but to give to the suffering and worn 
out soldiers who were unable to walk, and had lain them- 
selves down in despair. We have been informed that they 
went back 15 miles, and there found men lying, apparently 
in the agonies of death ; but when they had water given 
ihem, by degrees they revived, and were then placed in the 
wagons and conveyed to camp. 

Numbers died from the effect of that day's march. It 
was admitted by men who had been accustomed to the coun- 
try, and who had travelled that same road before, that it was 
the hottest day they ever experienced. Mules would drop 
down in their harness and die instantly. 

We remained here the following day, for the purpose of 
resting the men, horses and mules. That day, the 25th of 
November, 1846, is impressed with an indelible stamp upon 
the memory of all who yet live, who were concerned in the 



86 NARRATIVE OF THfi 

adventures thereof. It will be remembered as long as a 
man of the Central Division survives^-thai is, by any who 
took part in that day's toils and privations. ' 

On the 26th we were joined by Lieutenant Deshea, who 
had borne the express from General Wool to General Taylor. 
We were all rejoiced to see him and his escort back again ; 
for we hardly ever expected to see ihem again when they 
left Monclova. We received some letters and papers by 
them, and also got information of General Taylor's advance 
on Saltillo. 

The place where we were encamped was on a canal or 
ditch, which came 25 miles from a large stream. Some of 
the Mexicans, on the 26th, stopped the water about 10 miles 
above us, leaving us almost without it this day again. Gen. 
Wool despatched a party of dragoons up, and had the ob- 
structions removed, which brought down the water very 
soon. Had the Mexicans refused to let the water have its 
course, they, in all probability, would have got the " sick 
headache." Our dragoons were not to be trifled with. 

Next morning we resumed our march, and travelled through 
a valley between two mountains. This valley was apparent- 
ly about nine miles wide, with nothing but palmetto or soap 
plant growing over it. This plant grows about two feet high, 
with stalks or branches growing out of it, exactly the shape 
of a bayonet — so much like that instrument that the soldiers 
applied the name of Spanish bayonet to it. It is extremely 
dangerous to ride a horse through it, where it grows very 
dense, because it is so sharp that it will pierce him shock- 
ingly, and the effects are so venomous that the wounds are 
hardly curable. The roots are used by the Mexicans for 
washing. The women will take three or four of the roots, 
pound them up, and wash clothes admirably clean. We 
were told by a Spanish lady that the suds of this root are 



CENTRAL DIVISION. B7 

equal, if not superior, to those of the best rosin soap. But 
we have said enough in regard to the soap plant to inform 
our readers what it is. For a more accurate description of it, we 
would tefer them to Gregg's " Commerce of the Prairies,^'' 
where it is described at length. 

We travelled along on the side of a creek, but from the 
height of its banks we were unable to procure any water. 
About nine miles from camp we obtained some with great 
difficulty. 

It was night before we encamped this day. We had gone 
about 25 miles. We would have encamped sooner, but for 
the height and steepness of the banks of the creek, which 
prevented us from procuring water at a shorter distance. 
After getting into camp the cavalry had to go four miles for 
corn, to feed the horses and mules. Our readers will no 
doubt agree with us, that it is a hard task to travel twenty- 
five miles, then go four miles, load wagons with corn, and 
return without eating anything. Of course the whole body 
of cavalry did not go, but details were made ; hence it fell 
a hard lot to some of them. 

The cavalry have the advantage of the infantry, so far as 
travelling is concerned ; but as to duty, the former have the 
heaviest share. The infantry, on coming into camp, have 
nothing to do but attend to their own comforts, and other 
necessary duties ; but the cavalry have to procure feed for 
their horses, and attend to them, besides other ordinary 
duties. 

Here we discovered some large fires in the mountains. 
They created some uneasiness, until the cause was explained 
by some Mexicans who had come to camp to receive pay- 
ment for the corn they had sold to us. They said the fires 
had originated in some lead mines that were being worked. 

The next day we reached a rancho by the name of San 



86 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Antonio. Here a rumor was started that the Mexicans had 
several American prisoners confined there, who had been 
taken at Monterey and Ivept concealed ever since. The vol- 
unteers became enraged, and in a few moments would have 
demolished the whole concern. However, the timely inter- 
ference of some of the regular officers, who assured them 
that there were no prisoners there, prevented an " awful 
catastrophe." The boys on hearing this retired, each taking 
a piece of the destroyed cabins, as a recompense for his 
trouble, and as wood was extremely scarce, of course it came 
good. 

We started the following morning tolerably early. Our 
march was through one of those dry and sandy deserts, now 
so well known to the soldiers. The suffering for want of 
water was as great as usual. 

The place where we encamped in the evening was by the 
side of what is called a " tank," a place dug for the purpose 
of catching rain water during the rainy season. A tank is 
commonly dug in those large plains which require two days 
or more to cross them. 

We neglected to mention before that there was a tank on 
one of the plains which we had crossed several days before 
(when so much suffering was experienced), but it was dry. 
However, there was plenty of water in the one at which we 
were now encamped. 

This was the place where the matiny occurred, which has 
been spoken of by some of our newspaper correspondents. 
It would have been better for them to have used their pens 
on some other subject. As to mutiny, there was nothing of 
the kind attempted. It was only disobedience of orders on 
he part of the staff officers of the Arkansas Regiment, and 
we are of the opinion that they were justifiable in what ihey 
did. Our readers may think we say so because we were 



CtlNTRAL DIVISlOJf. 80 

attached to that corps, and are inclined lo be partial. But 
our object is, as we have said before, to give justice on all 
sides. We will now give the circumstances connected with 
it, and then permit the public lo judge for themselves. 

The position generally assigned to the Arkansas Regiment 
when encamped, was on the extreme left of the camp, and 
on being encamped on a stream, fronting towards it, the right 
of the encampment would be on the upper part of the stream, 
and of course that would throw the Arkansas Regiment on 
the lower part of it. After being used by the dragoons and 
artillery, for washing and watering their horses, it was very 
unpalatable, indeed. 

The officers had put up with it until this time, under the 
impression it would be rectified ; but on this occasion, being 
the last that came into camp, they proceeded as formerly to 
the left, and on arriving there found the water muddy and 
filthy as usual. Colonel Yell could brook this no longer. 
He immediately moved his camp further up on the tank, but 
on the other side, so that he was on a line with the extreme 
right, and there encamped. Scarcely had the tents been 
pitched when the Colonel received orders to remove his 
camp back again to the place designated for him. However, 
he only wrote a few lines to the General, stating the reason 
he had for encamping where he did — that he would not have 
his men imposed on any longer. 

Immediately af;er this came an order for the Colonel's 
arrest, and also one for Lieut. Colonel Roane to take the 
command, and march the regiment back to its original posi- 
tion. But Lieut. Colonel Roane was the wrong man to send 
such a message to. He returned answer to the General that 
so soon as justice was rendered to the regiment, he would 
assume the command, and if that was done, he would not 
have reason to do so. He also was soon on the book of arrests. 

8* 



90 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Presently Major Borland received orders to appear at 
headquarters, which he did. What passed between him and 
General Wool we will not attempt to say, but he returned 
with less authority than when he went there. The staff 
officers were now all under arrest — hence the command of 
the regiment devolved on Captain Porter (being the oldest 
Captain in the regiment), which he assumed, and so the affair 
terminated, and the command remained in its newly assumed 
position. 

The next day we marched, the officers under arrest in the 
rear, according to custom. About 10 o'clock vve came to a 
delightful stream of water, running over some very rough 
rocks. It appeared good, and such it was — being the best 
we had yet came across since vve left the rancho, ten miles 
from Monclova. 

The General here learned that there was no water for 36 
miles. He judged it best to encamp, and start next morning 
very early, for at that advanced hour of the day it would 
have been impossible to have got through. We therefore 
encamped where we were, and conjectured another day of 
suffering. 

Accordingly, at 2 o'elock the following morning, the infan- 
try set out, so as to proceed the greatest part of the way by 
the time the hottest period of the day came on. The cavalry 
remained behind, for the purpose of guarding the wagons, 
for things looked as if there were straggling bands of Mexi- 
can cavalry in the vicinity. We saw one place where they 
had encamped. 

Our march this day was through another of those dry and 
sandy plains for about 12 miles, when we entered a sort of 
pass in the mountains. When we had travelled about a 
mile among the mountains, we suddenly came upon a small 
stream of pure running water. This was, indeed, unexpected. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 91 

Who it was told the General that there was no water for 
36 miles, we know not; but whoever did so was mistaken. 
Prom appearances, the water came from a spring close by. 
It was not as fresh as our spring water in the United States, 
but it was very good. We now found water every two or 
three miles, until we reached camp. We encamped pretty 
early this evening. 

Here we found corn in abundance — in fact it was one field 
as far as the eye could reach, belonging to a large hacienda 
in the neighborhood. We should have mentioned before 
that for the two previous evenings we had received no corn 
for our horses, but on this evening we had an abundance of it 
for them. 

The next day we had 20 miles to march, which brought us 
within five miles of Paras. We arrived there without any 
other occurrences worthy of notice. 

On the following morning we did not start until about 9 
o'clock. After we had proceeded about a mile, we came to 
the hacienda owned by Don Manuel. This was truly the 
most splendid afl^air of the kind we had yet seen in this 
country. Grapes were cultivated here to a great extent. 
We here saw the first house built in the American style, that 
we had seen since our arrival in the country. Here we saw 
Mr. Jackson, of Kentucky, who was living there as a boss 
mechanic. On conversing with him, he told us that Don 
Manual was the richest man in that part of the country, and 
that he imitated and followed up the manners and customs 
of the Americans more than any other person among the 
Mexicans that he knew of. He said that with a few such 
men as Don Manuel, Mexico could soon be formed into a 
government similar to that of the United States. 

We will here mention that the " Rico" invited the officers 
of the army to a glass of wine with him. As he did not 



93 NARRATIVE OF THE 

invite the volunteers, some very hard remarks were heard 
concerning him. Oar Indian was heard to say that if he 
had any sheep or goats, he might find some of them miss- 
ing one of these nights. This same Indian was generally 
a man of his word. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 93 



CHAPTER XII. 

Encamped Three Miles from Town — A Visit from the Alcalde— Arri^ 
ved ai Paras — Sickness again in Camp — The Disobedient Olficers 
Acquitted — Almost an Open Rupture — The Drunken Sergeant — A 
Draft taken of our Encampment by a Mexican supposed to be a Spy 
— Captain Preston's Compaiiy sent to Scout — Coflfee again With- 
held — Description of the Country about Paras and of the Town — 
Corn Luxuriant — Manners and Customs — How Wood is obtained — 
An Express from General Worth — The whole Army in Motion — 
The Cavalry, &c., go in Advance — Next Morning all ander way — 
Accomplished Thirty-one Miles- next Day-— Encamped at Patos^- 
Orders issued to make no Noise — All moved, taking a Circuitous 
Route — A False Alarm, and arrive at Agua Nueva — Cooked Noth- 
ing for two Days — Orders to March to Monclova — Inspecting and 
Reviewing the Troops— Report of Three Thousand Mexicans — Two 
Companies Started— Captain Hoffman's Retreat — Large Santa Fe 
Wagons — Wagons Crowded — Hoaxed Again — The Christmas Frol- 
ic — General Wool called a Coward — Retreated to Encantada — Joy 
Among the Troops — General Wool Removes his Camp to Agua 
Nueva — Arkansas Regiment ordered to Patos — General Wool 
moves his Camp to Buena Vista — Obtain a Hospital at Patos— The 
Indian's Escape — Next Morning saw his Exploits. 

We arrived at the camp about 12 o'clock, and encamped 
about three miles from town, on ground that had once been 
a lake, but was now a large plain as far as the eye could 
reach. The plain where we encamped had several excel- 
lent springs, but the water was rather warm. 

We were hardly in camp when the Alcalde and some 
more of the aristocrats visited us in three carriages, each 
drawn by two mules, which were driven without the use of 



94 NARRATIVE OF THE 

lines, but in the manner a Pennsylvania wagoner usually 
drives his team, namely, the driver sitting on the saddle or 
leader horse. Their carriages or coaches look more like 
mail coaches than any thing else, but they are built more old 
fashioned, the wheels being very large and strong, and the 
axlelrees being sufficiently strong for any road wagon. CoL 
Hardin ordered his band out and they entertained them with 
some very fine music. 

We arrived at Paras on the 2d of December, having left 
the hacienda twelve miles from Monclova on the 22d of No^ 
vember and arrived on the above, making ten days out, trav- 
elling nine days of this time, varying something over twen- 
ty miles per day, ami experiencing more hardships than we 
had ever done before. 

During our encampment here we will be as brief as pos- 
sible, omitting details and things of no consequence, but 
imparting everything of interest. Sickness again prevailed 
in camp to a great extent. The measles broke out, and 
raged with great malignity, proving fatal to many in camp, 
and more so from the manner in which the troops wer^ 
exposed. It was very seldom a man recovered after he had 
fallen into an aggravated state of the disease, and we have 
known cases where men have lain down in the evening and 
in the morning have been found choked to death, from the 
measels having struck in on them. 

Captains Hoffman and Cadey's companies U. S. Infantry 
took their quarters in town on the 5lh, for the purpose of 
forming a police. Capt. Pike's company, of the Arkansas 
Cavalry, were ordered out on scout. About this time, 
also, Col. Yell, Lieut. Col, Roane and Major Boreland had 
their cases investigated, and were restored to their respective 
offices. 

An occurrence took place about this time which almost 



CE^ftRAL DIVISION. 95 

caused an open rupture between the volunteers and regu- 
lars. On a Sunday some of the volunteers had procured 
their passports necessary to go into town. There was at 
this time a regular dragoon patrol, for the purpose of arrest- 
ing those who had no passports ; but the sergeant having 
obtained aguadiente by some means, had become intoxicated 
and undertook to compel all to go out of town passport or 
no passport. In the mean time he came across some of the 
men that had been in church, and ordered them to camp. A 
young man, who belonged to Capt. Pike's company of Ar- 
kansas Cavalry, and who had returned by this time, remark- 
ed to him that all who were there had their passports. The 
sergeant replied that he did not care whether they had or 
not, they should go. The young man said that he was not 
willing to comply wiih the orders until the time specified in 
his passport was expired. 'J'he drunken sergeant now drew 
his sabre and made a desperate lunge at him and cut the top 
of his cap. The volunteers, not having any arms, of course 
had to leave and proceed to camp, but there they armed 
themselves and went back to town and compelled the ser- 
geant to surrender, brought him to camp and preferred 
charges against him, on which he was tried, found guilty, 
and reduced to the ranks. It was well that such a course 
was adopted, for, had any more coercive measure been em- 
ployed, serious consequences might have ensued. 

Nothing important occurred, until the 12th, when a Mex- 
ican was taken, who had been engaged in taking a draft of 
our encampment. He was adjudged to have been a spy, and 
the whole army were expecting to be marched out to witness 
his execution, but after investigating his case, he proved to 
be a Mexican artist. Liking the form of our encampment, 
he had taken the draft of it, for the purpose of displaying 
his genius. He was of course acquitted. 



9$ NARRATIVE OF THE 

Captain John Preston's company were sent out about this 
time on a scout, but returned without making any discoveries. 

While at Paras coJETee was again withheld, and complaints 
became very general. Nothing very serious happened, how- 
ever, until the 14lh,when Captain Porter's company, Arkan- 
sas Cavalry, were sent out with four days' provisions, to 
reconnoitre the surrounding country. On the 18th, Captain 
Patrick's company, of the same corps, was also sent out on 
a scout. 

We will now ask the indulgence of our readers for a few 
moments, in order to say something respecting Paras, and 
the country in its vicinity. The town is built similar to 
other Mexican towns of which we have spoken. Some of 
the houses are of a finer and more tasty quality than any we 
liad yet seen — being built of white free stone, and two stories 
high. The church is a very fine one, but cannot be com- 
pared with the one at JNIonclova. 

The country around Paras is better cultivated than any 
We had yet the opportunity of seeing. The corn appeared 
to be luxuriant. It was the second crop, which by this time 
was fit for roasting ears. We noticed grapes growing to a 
considerable extent, from which wine is made, of a tulera- 
able quality, and sold at the neighboring towns. 

The manners and customs of the Mexicans here are simi- 
lar to those of other parts. On one side Paras is bounded 
by a long hill, and on the other by an extensive plain. Wood 
is obtained here as at Monclova, that is by packing it on 
donkeys. But the Quarter Master had some compassion on 
the troops here, and purchased the wood for them at Uncle 
Sam's expense. 

On the 19th, about 4 o'clock in the evening, an express 
arrived from General Worth, at Saltillo, stating that the 
Mexican army was advancing on that place. In three fourths 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 97 

or an hour from the time ihe express had arrived, the whole 
army was in motion. The sick, who were unable to travel, 
were taken to town and there placed in a hospital. Captain 
Porter's company of Arkansas Cavalry had not yet arrived. 
Orders were left for him to remain at Paras, in junction with 
Captain Hoffman's company of United States Infantry, to 
guard the sick that were left there, which were not a few. 
Captain Patrick's company, Arkansas Cavalry, had likewise 
not yet arrived, but he had sent in an express, stating his 
whereabouts. The bearer was forthwith despatched with 
orders for him to join the main body on the Saltillo road, by 
another route, which he did. 

The cavalry, dragoons and artillery went in advance, and 
encamped eighteen miles from Paras. The infantry went 
about six miles, to the hacienda of Don Manuel, and there 
encamped. 

The next morning we were under way before day — the 
cavalry, dragoons and artillery keeping about the same dis- 
tance. In this manner we proceeded, and at night we 
encamped about the same distance apart. We were now on 
a forced march. 

The second day, the 20th, we accomplished thirty-one 
miles. The next day we travelled about thirty-seven, the 
infantry having gained six miles on the advance, who en- 
camped near a small town called Patos, of which we will 
have occasion to speak hereafter. This day the cavalry 
went about twenty-live miles, and halted at the rancho of 
San Juan, for what reason we do not know. The infantry 
went about the same distance, and encamped at the rancho 
of Muchachos. 

Orders were now given not to create any noise in the 
camp, and word was despatched back to the infantry, forbid- 
ding the beating of drums at tattoo or reveille, because the 



98 NARRATIVE OF tH£ 

enemy were suspected to be in the immediate vicinity. The 
General was apprehensive that, if they were near, they would 
attempt to cut us off from General Worth. 

The next morning the infantry came up with the advance. 
Captain Hunter's company, Arkansas Cavalry, and Captain 
Moore's company, 1st Illinois Volunteers, joined us here 
with a train of supplies. They had abandoned the ford of 
the river, and come in by the rancho of San Antonio, and 
thus came up with us, an express having previously been 
sent, instructing them to go to Saltillo. 

The army now moved on — the Arkansas Regiment taking 
a circuitous route, for the purpose of reconnoitreing some of 
the neighboring passes. We proceeded about 10 miles, when 
it was discovered to be a false alarm, and the whole army 
turned to the right, and marched to the hacienda of Agua 
Neuva, where we encamped. 

Thus we had marched about 125 miles in three days and 
a few hours. The advance cooked nothing for two days, 
save broiling a little salt pork over a few coals, and then eat- 
ing it with a few crackers, and fed their horses with nothing 
but what dry grass they could pick up, until they reached 
the rancho of San Juan. The infantry fared better, for they 
had the train with them. 

We arrived at Agua Neuva on the 23d of December. 
On the same day Captain Pike's squadron, Arkansas Cav- 
alry, received orders to march to Monclova on the following 
morning, in order to reinforce Major Warren, and with orders 
for him to come up immediately. This was indeed a heavy 
duty for the men of that squadron, but they cheerfully pre- 
pared for the march, and accordingly on the morning of the 
24th set off on their journey. On reaching Saltillo, through 
which place they had to go, they were ordered to remain 
with Major General Butler, who was in command at that 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 99 

place, assigning for his reason that Major Warren iiacl force 
enough. 

Tiie 24lh was occupied in inspecting and reviewing the 
troops. In the evening an express arrived from Captain 
Hoffman (then at Paras), with information thai 3,000 Mexi- 
cans were advancing on that place, and that he would have 
to be reinforced, or he would not be able to get away all the 
sick that were there. Captain Eustus' company. Regular 
Dragoons, and Captain Danley's company, Arkansas Cavalry, 
received orders to proceed to that place immediately. 

Accordingly those two companies started about dark on 
the evening of the 24lh, accompanied by some wagons, for 
the purpose of transporting the sick. They travelled about 
thirty-five miles this night, and on the morning of the 25th 
met Captain Hoffman in full retreat, the Mexicans in Paras 
having assured him that if he did not depart forthwith, he 
would be attacked by an immense force. After holding a 
consultation with his officers, he concluded that it was best 
to evacuate the place. Every preparation was made, and by 
pressing into service a couple of large Santa Fe wagons, 
which had been purchased by some " rlco,^^ or wealthy 
Mexican, they were enabled to bring away all the sick, ex- 
cept twelve, whose cases were too aggravating and dangerous 
to allow of their removal. The priest promised to take care 
of them, which promise he faithfully performed. 

The wagons were crowded — fourteen being put in each. 
It must have been shocking for so many sick men to have 
been thus crowded together. With the assistance of the 
wagons which had accompanied the reinforcement, they were 
somewhat relieved, and came on to the rancho of San Juan, 
where they encamped. Here they learned that they had 
once more been hoaxed, and the whole affair turned out to 
have been a false alarm. Ii was undoubtedly a piece of 



100 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Mexican stratagem to have our men to evacuate the town as 
fast as possible, for of course American soldiers were not 
very welcome guests with them. 

On this day, Christmas, the army had their Christmas 
frolic, which was another general stampede. Mr. Dyer, 
beef commissary, had learned from his Mexican butcher that 
a sergeant of the Mexican army had been in camp, looking 
at our situation. Colonel Yell, with his remaining four 
companies, had been sent out to a place named Dogtovvn, on 
the San Luis Potosi road, while General Wool commenced 
his retreat towards Saltillo. Here it was that he was publicly 
called a coward, and published as such by some petty cor- 
respondents of newspapers, who would have been belter 
employed in attending to their duties, than penning such 
falsehoods. 

It would have been impossible for General Wool to have 
withstood an overpowering force here with his small com- 
mand, hence he deemed it advisable to fall back to a stronger 
position. He retreated as far as the rancho of Encantado, 
vi'here he discovered the hoax, and halted. Here he was 
joined by Captain Pike's Squadron. He encamped on the 
night of the 25th, sending orders to Captain Hoffman tore- 
main where he was until further orders. 

It was rumored in camp that the divisions of Wool and 
Worth were to be united, and Major General Butler to take 
the command in person. A great deal of joy was manifested 
by the troops on hearing this news, because they judged they 
would not be subjected to the consternations caused by so 
many stampedes, with such a force. 

On the 26th, General Wool moved his camp back to his 
former position at Agua Neuva. Captain Hoffman now 
received orders to join the command, which he immediately 
did. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 10 1 

Next morning tlie Arkansas Regiment was ordered to 
march to a small town called Patos, about forty miles back 
on the road to Paras, for the purpose of recruiting the horses, 
corn being abundant at that place. We, being attached to 
that Regiment, had of course to accompany it, but ihrousrli 
the kindness of a friend, we were enabled to obtain the pro- 
ceedings of the whole Division. The Arkansas Cavalry 
arrived at Patos on the 28th, aud went into camp. 

On this day General Wool removed his camp to the rancho 
of Buena Vista, about six miles south of Sahillo. About 
this time General Taylor received orders to send his regulars 
to General Scott, and Brigadier General Worth was ordered 
to accompany them, leaving General Wool in command of 
the post of Saltillo. General Buder was about returning to 
the United States for the benefit of his health, and Major 
Bonneville's Batallion, consisting of Captains Hoffman's 
and Cady's, and Lieutenant L. Wetmore's companies, 6lh 
U. S. Infantry, and Captain Williams' company of Ken- 
tucky Volunteers, left for General Scott's headquarters. 

The Arkansas Regiment, at Patos, obtained a hospital in 
town for the sick, who began to recruit in health the moment 
they were under shelter. 

Our Indian met with a most miraculous escape during the 
time the reoriment was on the road to Patos. Havinor laoraed 

D o Co 

behind for the purpose of ascertaining what he could pick up, 
he came to some thick chaparals, where some Mexicans 
^red on him and shot his horse from under him ; he then 
ran to some bushes not far distant, and there remained until 
dark, the Mexicans firing at the bushes all ihe time and he 
firing at their place of concealment. Occasionally, he said, 
the balls came mighty near him, and he thought he was a 
gone Injin, sure enough. However, after dark, the Mexicans 
ceased firing and he waited until he was tolerably certain that 

9' 



102 NARRATIVE OF THE 

they were gone, when he crept forth, but did not go near his 
horse, for he knew it was all up with him, as he heard the 
wolves quarrelling about the choice pieces, but took the back 
track and came through gullies and ditches until he found the 
camp. We remember having seen him after his return ; he 
looked uncommonly dejected, and said he must have killed 
one of them Mexicans, for he heard him holler. 

The next morning, Lieut, J. M. Giles, of Capt. C. C. 
Danley's company, took an escort, and the Indian for a guide, 
and proceeded to ascertain what exploits Mr. Indian had 
achieved, and, really, on coming up to the place, there lay 
the horse half eaten up by the wolves, and on examining the 
bunch of chaparals which had contained ihe Mexicans, they 
found from all appearances that he had either killed or wound- 
ed one of them, for the ground was very bloody. After this 
our Indian endeavored to use more prudence and precaution 
when he fell behind. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 103 



CHAPTEE XIII. 

Things Went on Very Well— Clothing for the Arkansas Regiment- 
Express Arrived — Report about Santa Anna — Gen. Wool Remained 
at Buena Vista — Patrol Sent Out — Major Gaines Joins — Majors 
Gaines and Boreland Captured — Interpreter of Major Boreland — 
Remarks about Several Officers — Major Warren Arrived — The 
Central Division all Up — Great Joy among the Troops — Two Squad- 
rons called in — Major Warren Appointed Governor of Saltillo — Gen. 
Taylor Arrived — The First Mississippi Riflemen and Others En- 
camped at Agua Nueva — An Occurrence — Remarks Respecting it — 
Relat ion of the Occurrence — Court of Inquiry Respecting it — Matters 
Rested undecided — Gambling the Order of the Day — Gen. Taylor's 
Introduction to the Rackensacks at a Gambling Scene — Reconnoi- 
treing at Encarnacion — Discover Marks of the Enemy. 

Things went on very well in both camps. Gen. Wool 
remained at Buena Vista, a dragoon piquet was stationed at 
Agua Nueva and Col. Yell remained at Patos. The troops 
spent a better New Year than Christmas. 

On the 7th of January, 1847, Captains English's and Dil- 
lord's companies, Arkansas Cavalry, came up with the regi- 
ment at Patos, escorting a large train, which brought along 
the clothing for the Arkansas Regiment, of which it stood in 
need not a litde. They presented a very shabby appearance 
before, but now, with their dragoon uniforms, they looked 
remarkably well. 

On Sunday night, the 10th, an express arrived from the 
General, ordering up the Arkansas Regiment, and also stating 
that Gen. Santa Anna was supposed to be within three days' 



104 NARRATIVE OF THE 

march of Saltillo. Accordingly, on the morning of the 11th, 
about 4 o'clock, they started, thinking that after being fooled 
so often, they would without fail have a fight this time. 
They went through against 3 o'clock, the distance being about 
forty miles, but here they found everything quiet, the men in 
that camp believing it to be a hoax. 

Gen. Wool remained at Buena Vista, while six companies 
of the Arkansas Regiment were ordered to encamp at Encan- 
tado. Capt. Pike's squadron was ordered to encamp at Agua 
Nueva and Ca[)t. Patrick's squadron at San Juan Vaqueria. 
All the above places were about fifteen miles from the main 
army and were passes that had necessarily to be guarded. 
Patrols were sent out daily from the six companies at Encan- 
tado to scour the country, because, from all we could judge, 
there were armed bodies of Mexicans somewhere in the 
neighborhood. 

Things went on at this rate until Major Gaines, of the 
Kentucky Cavalry, which had previously joined us, and 
Major Boreland, of the Arkansas Cavalry, were out on a 
scouting excursion, and met at the hacienda of Encarnacion, 
where they were captured. 

So much has already been said about this, that we think 
it unnecessary to add anything more. The only statement 
we have is from Capt. Henrie, Interpreter of Major Borland, 
who made his escape, and by a letter of one of the parties 
which found its way into the United States. We will have 
to wait until their release for an authentic account, for our 
readers are well aware that with them there is talent suffi- 
cient to do justice in the case. 

The officers who were taken from the Arkansas Regiment 
were Major Borland, Capt. C. C. Danley and Capt. Henrie, 
interpreter, who subsequently made his escape and returned. 
After the capture of Capt. C. C. Danley, the command of 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 105 

that company devolved upon First Lieutenant N. T. Gaines. 
The reason we mention this is, because we shall have occa- 
sion to speak of this company hereafter. 

About this time Major Warren arrived from Monclova 
with his command, to which was now attached Capt. Hack 
er's company, Second Illinois Volunteers, which had been 
left at San Antonio to guard the place. He had come to 
Monclova with a train, and from thence with the above com- 
mand. 

The troops of the Central Division were now all up, and 
the communication between San Antonio and the army stopped. 
About this time we heard that Gen. Taylor had arrived at 
Monterey from Victoria, and that he was coming to take 
command in person. Great was the joy of the troops upon 
hearing this, for they had heard ao much of old Rough and 
Ready, that they all wished to see him. He remained at 
Monterey until about the 2d of February, when he removed 
for Saltillo, bringing all the troops but a small force left to 
garrison the place. 

About this time the squadrons at Agua Nueva and the one 
at San Juan de Vaqueria had been called in, and Capt. Pike's 
squadron of Arkansas Cavalry had been sent to a pass twelve 
miles from Saltillo, by tlie name of Polomos, to prevent sur- 
prise from that quarter. 

Major Warren was appointed Governor of Saltillo, and 
immediately proceeded to garrison the place with two com- 
panies of the First Regiment Illinois Volunteers. 

On the 4th, Gen. Taylor arrived and encamped at Saltillo, 
and on the 5th he moved and formed a junction with Gen. 
Wool. On this day six companies of the Arkansas Cavalry 
were ordered to proceed to rancho San Anton, about sixty 
miles distance, to procure corn. 

On the 9th, the whole army, under the command of Major 



106 NARRATIVE OF THE 

General Taylor, moved out to Agua Nueva. Now the Cen- 
tral Division became extinct, and was heard by that name 
no more ; but we will endeavor to give an account of what 
finally became of it. The following are the names of the 
different corps that joined us in company with Gen. Taylor, 
viz: The First Mississippi Riflemen, under the command of 
Col. Davis ; the Second and Third Indiana Regiments, under 
command of Colonels Bowls and Lane, the whole under the 
command of Brigadier Gen. Lane; the Second Kentucky 
Regiment, under Col. McKee ; one squadron of the Second 
Dragoons, under command of Brevet Lieut. Col. May ; and 
Capt. Bragg's Battery of Light Artillery. This force was now- 
encamped at Agua Nueva. We will not say much in future 
respecting the above named corps unless necessarily obliged 
to do so, because we have engaged to confine ourselves to 
the Central Division, and we will endeavor to redeem our 
promise. 

About this time an occurrence took place which called 
down the disapprobation of the commanding general. Cer- 
tain newspaper correspondents have commented on it rather 
freely, but we think when the public have read the facts, just 
as they were, they will be inclined to think that those men 
who committed the tragedy were justifiable. The state- 
ment we are about to make may be depended on as correct. 
Being a member of the same regiment, we would not have 
our readers think that we are partial. We but give tlie 
naked facts as they occurred. So much has already been 
said about it that is not true, that we feel ourselves bound to 
refute some of the base slanders and lies in relation to it. 
The circumstances are these. 

On the 9th of February, S. Colquit, belonging to company 
B., commanded by Lieut. Gaines, Arkansas Regiment, left 
camp for the purpose of training a Mexican horse, which he 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 10'7 

had J list bought. It was noticed that he did not return at 
dark, and fears began to bo entertained for his safely. Morn- 
ing arrived, and he was still absent. It now became the 
general belief that he had been lariated. A small party of 
men started out in search of him, but returned without him. 
It happened that a man of the Kentucky Cavair)'' was out 
this morning in hunt of his horse, and in his walks came 
across the missing man. He forthwith started for the Ar- 
kansas camp, and told them where the object of their search 
was. Upon this some of the men went to the place pointed 
out by the Kentuckian, and there found their comrade, who 
had fallen a victim to the brutality of some murderous ran- 
chero. A lariat was around his neck, sunken or partially 
covered in the flesh. He was sitting against a small bush, 
with the lariat tied fast, and the other extremity fastened to a 
shrub some distance off. On examination of the ground, it 
appeared that he had been dragged about three hundred 
yards, over stones and prickly-pears, and when they tied him 
to the bush, he could not have been quite dead, for one of 
his hands was in a position which showed that he had tried 
to disengage his neck from the rope. It was horrible ! There 
sat the most awful looking object that the imagination could 
picture. He was perfectly black, and his body bruised and 
mangled in a most shocking manner. The sight was enough 
to raise feelinors of revenge and resentment in the breast of 
any one who had the least feeling and sympathy for his fellow 
countryman. The body was brought into camp, and after 
it had received a soldier's burial, the men collected together 
and agreed to go in search of the perpetrators of this black- 
hearted deed. There were but two companies of the Ar- 
kansas Regiment in camp, viz : Companies B. and G., the 
one commanded by Lieut. Gaines, and the other by Capt. 
Hunter. A portion of these companies saddled their horses 



108 NARRATIVE OF THE 

and started off, undoubtedly with the intention of meteing out 
a sanguinary retribution on those blood-thirsty miscreants of 
the lariat^ but we must here remark that it was entirely 
unknown to either of those officers. We received the par- 
ticulars from one of the party, in whom we could place im- 
plicit confidence. We were on duty at the time, and could 
not accompany them, otherwise we might also have been of 
the party. They proceeded up into the gap of a mountain, 
where Mexicans had been seen. On reaching the spot, they 
discovered some rancheros, living in small huts, but nothing 
like a rancho appeared. Our men searched some of the huts, 
in one of which they found the identical carbine sling be- 
longing to the murdered man. They knew it from the fact 
of its having his name on it. The Mexicans had by this 
lime collected together, near one of the huts. Our men en- 
quired of them, through a young man who spoke Spanish, 
how they came by the sling, but they gave no satisfactory 
answer. 

At this moment one of the men shot a Mexican. Firing 
now commenced in good earnest, and in rapid succession. 
General Wool heard it, and sent Captain Crow's company 
of 1st Illinois Volunteers, to ascertain what was the cause. 
On coming up, Captain Crow, as he afterwards stated, saw 
between twenty-five and thirty dead Mexicans — men, and 
not W07nen and children, as some trifling correspondents 
thought to shed a refulgent lustre on the productions of their 
pens by stating. As to women and children, there were 
none present. We do not think that during the whole march 
of the Central Division, any one belonging to it ever heard 
of a woman or child being murdered. If such atrocities were 
committed, no one is the wiser of it. 

The Arkansas men returned, but not under guard, for the 
gallant Illinoisians knew too well the cause which led them 



CENTRAL DIVISION, 109 

to what they had done, and so did not attempt to arrest any 
of ihem. A court of inquiry was held by General Taylor, 
for the purpose of investigating the affair. We are far from 
censuring him for what he did, for it was nothing more than 
his duty. At this court, a man by the name of Peacock, 
who had been out in that direction, in order to procure beef 
cattle, and who had been drawn thither by the firing, stated 
that he saw dead Mexicans, and likewise men of the Arkan- 
sas Regiment, but he could recognize no one in particular. 
Several men who were witnesses, on giving their testimony, 
stated nothing that led to a discovery of any of the party 
implicated. Hence, the only course the General could pur- 
sue, to clear himself, was to punish them all together. He 
sent word to the officers that if they did not give up the 
offenders, they might hold themselves in readiness to march 
to the Rio Grande. This was impossible, for they knew not 
the real party. We believe, however, that if they had 
known them, they would have been willing to suffer alike 
with the men. They were impressed with the idea, like 
ourselves, that any one who had seen the murdered man, 
and could not feel himself inspired with the feelings of 
revenge, was not the man qualified to be in Mexico. Here 
the affair rested. 

It was now the 17th of February, and the six companies 
of the Arkansas Regiment had returned from the rancho of 
San Antonio. This day the troops were paid off, the Ar- 
kansas troops drawing six months pay, and the Illinois troops 
four. 

Gambling was now the order of the day in camp. Money 

was plenty, and the troops did not know what else to do with 

it, at least such was the case with the majority. One could 

not pass through the camp without having his ears saluted 

with " Click, click, here is a game you all can win at." 

10 



110 NARRATIVE OF THE 

A fellow might be seen sitting with a blanket spread out be- 
fore him, with cards displayed thereon, and himself shaking 
a chuckeluck box into fits. 

The Rackensacks and Suckers had places where they 
assembled for the purpose of gambling. We were told that 
it was at one of these places that General Taylor got his in- 
troduction to the Rackensacks and Suckers. We were not 
present, and therefore cannot vouch for the truth of the asser- 
tion. He v/as taking a walk one evening through the camp, 
and came butt up against one of these " sanctified courts." 
He stopped awhile, surveying the scene around and before 
him. At this moment an officer came up and saluted him 
by saying " Good evening, General !" Every eye was im- 
mediately turned in that direction, and sure enough there 
stood the General. Such a running, and such a demolishing 
of faro banks and chuckeluck boxes liad not previously been 
seen. In fact, in less time than we can describe it, every 
man had disappeared, and the General and his friend left alone 
to enjoy a laugh at their expense. 

It was now the 20th, and a part of the Arkansas Regiment, 
under Lieut. Col. Roane, two squadrons of dragoons under 
command of Brevet Lieut. Col. May, and one piece of Capt. 
Washington's Artillery, under command of First Lieut. 
O'Brien, were sent to reconnoitre at Encarnacion, but did 
not go any further than Dogtown, where they discovered 
strong marks of an enemy in the neighborhood, and think- 
ing it unsafe to go farther, returned that same night. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. HI 



CHAPTER XIY. 

Confirmation of a Mexican Force in the Neighborhood — The whole 
Army in Motion — Col, McKee kept at Encarnacion — Gen. Wool 
Proceeds to Buena Vista — Wagons to bring in the Remainder of the 
Stores — Alarm Taken and Times Look Squally — Rancho on Fire — 
An Awfully Grand Scene — Santa Anna's Stratagem to Hold up — 
Orders Given, but Helter Skelter was the Order — Arrival at Buena 
Vista— Snugly in Blankets— The Enemy in Sight— The Gallant 
Suckers — The Army in Line to Meet the Foe — Yankee Doodle-^ 
Remarks Concerning the Battle — De?cription of the Battle. 

On the morning of the 21st it was confirmed that a large 
Mexican force was marching to attack us, and orders were 
issued to march immediately. All the troops now struck 
tents and were ready to go. Many were the conjectures as 
to where our destination was, and some said that we were 
about to retreat to Saltillo. Directly the whole army was 
in motion and off, except the Arkansas Cavalry under com- 
mand of Col. Yell, who were ordered to remain at Agua 
Nueva to guard some stores that were left there until wagons 
could return for them. 

Col. McKee, Second Kenluckians, with one section of 
Artillery, were kept at Encantada, for the purpose of assist- 
ing Col. Yell in his retreat should the enemy come upon 
him. About three miles from Encantada, the First Illinois 
Regiment, under Col. Hardin, was kept to guard what was 
termed the pass. Gen. Wool proceeded to Buena Vista and 
there encamped. Gen. Taylor continued at Saltillo, along 



112 NARRATIVE OF THE 

with Lieut. Col. May's squadron Second Dragoons, and Capt, 
Sherman's and Capt. Bragg's Batteries of Third Artillery. 

During the evening Col. Yell was joined by the Kentucky 
Cavalry and a squadron of the First Dragoons, under com- 
mand of Col. Marshall, and wagons to take in the remainder 
of the stores, with orders for Col. Yell, that if the enemy came 
upon him to destroy all that remained. Accordingly the 
wagons were loaded as rapidly as possible, but about mid- 
night the piquets were fired upon and came running in, ex- 
cept the one at rancho San Juan, which was ten miles dis- 
tant. A man was accordingly started for that station, but 
was never heard of afterwards. 

Such an alarm as there was we never before witnessed. 
Wagons were running in every direction ; some became 
locked together and the teamsters did not wait to part them 
but ran away, supposing the enemy to be just upon us. 
Some of the men had lost their horses and were in a dilemma. 
We had broken open some barrels containing sour crout in 
the evening, and we observed an old German filling two 
haversacks. He, meantime, had lost his horse and was in an un- 
pleasant situation, but would not lose his crout. We saw 
him with his two haversacks around his neck, and asked 
him why he did not leave it and take care of his clothes ? 
*' Oh ! py sure," said he, " dish ish besser dan de clothes, 
and if I could find dat ole hause of mine, I would run away 
faster as dunder and blitzen I " 

In the mean time the rancho was set on fire, as was also a 
large stack of wheat, which sent forth a lurid glare upon the 
darkness of the night. It looked awfully grand and sublime, 
indeed, and had the Mexicans been within six hundred yards 
they would have been almost compelled to halt and admire 
the scene. 

The troops were formed fronting the rancho, but far 



CKNTRAL DIVISION, 113 

enough back, so as not to be seen by any who came that way, 
but within proper gun shot. In this position we remained 
about two hours, awaiting the approach of the enemy to give 
them a cordial welcome with our carbines and then leave. 
But they did not show their countenances, and it appeared 
as though they were trying to surround us, which ihey might 
have done had they attempted it, but Santa Anna hearing the 
previous rattling ofthe wagons, judged we were about giving 
battle, and thus held up. This he told, after the battle, to 
one of our despatches who visited him in his camp. 

Orders were now given to march off in good order ; but 
good order there was none. Away went the volunteers, 
helter, skelter ! All the crying out to halt was of no conse- 
quence, and had the Mexicans indeed surrounded us, they 
could not have withstood the charge. When we arrived at 
Encantada, Col. McKee came out and accompanied us in. 

We arrived at Buena Vista about 4 o'clock, A. M., and in 
a few minutes every man was snugly ensconced in his blan- 
ket, where, we have no doubt, some were dreaming, not of a 
stampede, to which they had become accustomed, but of a 
real genuine fight. 

About 9 o'clock the alarm was given that the enemy was 
in sight. This we could judge from the movements of the 
First Illinois Regiment, which was stationed at the pass, 
where they they had thrown up a parapet or breastwork, on 
top of which stood the gallant Suckers cheering him as he 
approached. Truly, he must have felt strange, thinking that 
we were in full retreat, on coming up, to receive such a 
salute. 

In a few moments the whole army was in line and march- 
ed off to meet the foe. Great was the ambition and valor 
manifested that morning, as the drum and fife stirred up that 
old fashioned and enthusiasm-giving air, Yankee Doodle ; it 

10* 



114 NARRATIVE OF THE 

seemed to inspire every man with new vigor and courage far 
the affray. The time long-looked-for by the boys of the 
Central Division, (now termed the "Sleepy Column,") was 
rapidly approximating, and they were eager to improve it 
and come up to it to a man. We have no doubt Gen. Wool 
looked with feelinffs of pride on that little band, who had 
shared the toil and suffering of a six months' march through 
a barren country with him. 

We did not intend to give an account of the battle of Buena 
Vista further than the different corps of the Central Division 
were concerned ; but we have been requested to give a full 
account, and we will endeavor to do it to the best of our abil- 
ity, and permit our readers to refer to other reports for its 
correctness. When we speak more particularly of any of 
the corps of the before-mentioned division, our readers must 
not censure us with being partial because we notice the 
immediate movements of this more than any other corps, not 
intending, as before observed, to give a full account of any 
other. 

On the morning of the 22d, the troops were stationed as 
follows : Capt. Washington's Battery was placed to guard 
the pass, where a ditch had been dug across the road and a 
redoubt had been thrown up extending to the edge of a large 
gully ; a narrow passage was left next the hill which was 
obstructed by a couple of wagons loaded with stones. The 
Second Kentucky Infantry, commanded by Col. JNlcKee, 
was stationed on a hill immediately in the rear of Capt. 
AVashington's Batler}^ Lieut. Col. Weatherford with two 
companies of the First Illinois Regiment occupied the breast- 
works on the right of Capt. Washington's Battery. The 
remaining six companies of the First Illinois Volunteers, 
under command of Col. Hardin, were posted on an eminence 
to the left of Capt. Washington's battery. The 2d Illinois 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 115 

Regiment, to which was attached Capt. Conner's (formerly 
Capt, Seefeld's) company of Texas Foot Vohinteers, was 
placed on the left of the Kentucky Regiment. The Indiana 
Brigade, composed of the 2d and 3d Regiments, commanded 
by Colonels Bowls and Lane, the whole commanded by 
Brigadier General Lane, was posted on a ridge immediately 
in rear of the front line. Capt. Stein's squadron of the 1st 
Dragoons were held in reserve in rear of the Indiana Bri- 
gade. The Kentucky Cavalry, under command of Colonel 
Marshall, and the Arkansas Cavalry, under Colonel Yell, 
were stationed to the left of the second line, towards the 
mountains. Tlie rifle companies of these two regiments, 
together with the cavalry companies of the Kentucky Regi- 
ments, and a battalion of riflemen from tlie Indiana Brigade, 
commanded by Major Gorman, the whole under command 
of Colonel Marshall, were ordered to take post on the ex- 
treme end, at the foot of the mountains. 

About this time General Taylor arrived from Saltillo, 
accompanied by Col. May's squadron of the 2d Dragoo'ns, 
Captains Sherman and Bragg's batteries of Artillery, and the 
Mississip})i Riflemen. 

The enemy halted just beyond cannon shot, displaying 
his strength on boih sides of the road, and began to push his 
light infantry into the mountains on our left (his right). This 
movement of the enemy appeared as if he were determined 
on making a demonstration on his left. This induced Gen. 
Taylor to despatch the 2d Kentucky Infantry and Capt. 
Bragg's battery of Artillery, supported by Capt. Pike's 
squadron of Arkansas Cavalry, which had previously been 
called in from Polomos Pass, to take part on the right of the 
gullies, and in advance of Captain Washington's battery. 
Captain Sherman's battery was held in reserve, in rear of the 
second line. 



116 NARRATIVE OF THE 

The enemy was now discovered pushing his infantry to 
tlie heights on our left, for the purpose of gaining that posi- 
tion on us. Colonel Marshall, with his regiment, and four 
companies of Arkansas Riflemen, under Lieut. Col. Roane, 
and the Indiana Rifle Battalion, under command of Major 
Gorman, were sent to meet this party. Brigadier General 
Lane, with the 2d Indiana Regiment, and a section of Capt. 
Washington's Artillery, under Lieut. O'Brien, was ordered 
to the extreme left and front of the plain, which terminated 
by a deep ravine, running from the mountains to the road, 
with orders to prevent the enemy from coming around the 
base of the mountain. 

At 2 o'clock, P. M., the enemy opened a fire on our rifle- 
men with a long howitzer posted in the road. About 4 o'clock 
Col. Marshall engaged the Mexican infantry on the side of 
the mountain. The firing continued on both sides until dark. 
In this skirmish, the loss on our side was one man wounded, 
while that of the enemy was known to have been great, by 
subsequent inspection of the ground. It was here that the 
Indiana men tested the value of the revolving rifles. There 
were two companies armed with these guns, and when the 
Mexicans commenced firing, they reserved their fire until 
the ■Mexicans got pretty bold. Previously they had kept 
behind a sort of eminence, but seeing that the Americans did 
not return the fire, they ventured out and came over the ridge. 
At this juncture the Indianians opened on them. They stood 
the first and second fires very well, but the third and fourth 
came in such rapid succession that they looked terrified, and 
by the time the sixth was hurled on them, there was not one 
to be seen on the ridge. 

When the firing had ceased, General Taylor returned to 
Saltillo, to arrange affairs at that place, and to guard against 
General Minon and his cavalry, taking with him the Missis- 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 117 

sippi Regiment, and a squadron of the Second Dragoons. 
The troops remained under arms during the night, in the 
position they occupied at the close of the day. About 10 
o'clock, P. M., Lieut. Tomlin, of the Arkansas Regiment, 
came in with his piquet. It will be remembered that this 
was the piquet which was not fired upon on the proceeding 
evening, and had remained out. The express that had been 
sent for him never arrived. We obtained the particulars as 
to how he got past the Mexican camp and came to ours, from 
himself. He remained at the rancho of San Juan until the 
usual time of relieving the guard, but no one came. He had 
seen the light of the fire on the night of the 21st, but 
hearing no guns fired, concluded it was dry grass, which is 
a common occurrence in that part of the country. He wait- 
ed, however, until about 10 o'clock on the 22d, when he 
judged he could come in. He started, but had not proceed- 
ed far, when he met a Mexican, of whom he enquired about 
the Americans. The Mexican told him that the Americans 
had left, and Santa Anna was at Agua Nueva. On hearing 
this news, he felt himself somewhat puzzled, but nothing 
daunted, he continued his journey in the direction of Saltillo, 
saying that if the enemy discovered him, he would have an 
opportunity of trying the speed of Rackensack horses with 
those of the Mexicans. He came on about five miles, and 
discovered what proved to be the flank guard of the enemy. 
They, however, looked so much like United States Dragoons 
at a distance, that he thought them to be really such, and 
made towards them. But on approaching pretty near, he 
discovered his mistake and began to retreat, and the Mexi- 
cans took after him; but Mexican horses would not answer 
their purpose, for he was soon out of their reach. The ene- 
my returned to the former route, and he kept along parallel 
with them, intending to take advantage of the deep gullies, 



118 NARRATIVE OF THE 

and get past, but on coming within sight of them, he discov- 
ered the Mexican army, encamped right at the head of him 
at Encantada. So he made a movement to the left, to get 
behind a small ridge near him, where he expected to find a 
way by which he might be enabled to reach Saltillo. The 
Mexicans discovered this movement also, and gave chase, 
but Rackensack horses were again victorious. As he ascend- 
ed the hill, he and his companions gave three cheers, and 
beckoned to them to follow, but conjecturing it, as we pre- 
sume, to be a Yankee trick, to decoy them, they returned to 
their camp, and our hero pursued his course. He said he 
had a full view of the Mexican army. Such a number of 
men he had never before beheld. " It appeared," he said, 
»' that the whole valley was full, and they were still pouring 
in." He continued around the mountain, and got into a 
narrow defile. In this way he travelled some four or fivo 
miles, when he espied a gap or pass, which he conjectured 
must lead to the valley. He entered this, and came to where 
he could see the plain, and the raucho of Buena Vista, 
and troops scattered over the valley. They had the appear- 
ance of Mexicans, so lie did not venture towards them, but 
continued his way along the defile, which brought him out 
in sight of Saltillo. He now ventured into town, and found, 
to his joy, that the American troops had possession of the 
place. He returned to Buena Vista immediately, and report- 
ed to Col. Yell, who had entertained great fears for his and 
his men's safety. The number of men he had with him 
was twenty. This adventure has never before been men- 
tioned in any report, so we deemed it our duty to record it 
here. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. HQ 



CHAPTER XV. 

The Battle Continued — Loss of America's Bravest Sons — The Troops 
Suffer for Want of Fire — Despatch a Hasty Breakfast — Retreat of 
the Enemy— Shocking Sight of the Dead, Dying and Wounded— 
Seeming Affliction of Women — Hunting up Wounded Mexicans-— 
Troops Engaged in Burying the Dead^The Troops Encamp at 
Buena Vista — Coffee Procured — Fresh Meat Desired — A Drove of 
Sheep Devoured. 

About 2 o'clock on the morninof of the 23tl, the piquets 
were driven in, and the action began at break of day, in the 
mountains, between their infantry and our riflemen. Major 
Trail, 2d Illinois Regiment, was ordered to the support of 
Col. Marshall with his battalion of riflemen. The enemy 
now opened a Are upon our left from a battery they had 
planted on the side of the mountain, near where his light 
infantry commenced to ascend it. The 2d Kentucky Infantry 
and Bragg's battery of Artillery were ordered from the ex- 
treme right, and Sherman's battery was ordered up from the 
rear, to take post with Col. Bissel's 2d Illinois Regiment, 
on a plateau which extended from the centre of the line to 
the foot of the mountains, the sides of which were covered 
with Mexican infantry, and our riflemen, who were keeping 
up a pretty brisk Are. 

About 8 o'clock, the enemy made an attempt, with a large 
body of lancers, infantry and artillery, to charge Captain 
Washington's battery, posted in the pass, but after a few 
well directed shots, he was compelled to desist. In connec- 



120 NARRATIVE OF THE 

tion with this movement, a heavy column of the enemy's 
cavalry and infantry, and the battery on the side of the moun- 
tain, moved against our left, which was held by Brigadier 
General Lane, with the four companies of Arkansas Cavalry^ 
which were posted at the north base of the mountains, and 
Captain Price's squadron of Kentucky Cavalry, which was 
posted somewhat in the rear of the front line, and to the 
right of the Arkansas Regiment, and the 2d Indiana Regi- 
ment, with Lieut. O'Brien's section of Artillery, was posted 
on the front line. The Arkansas Cavalry and Capt. Price's 
gquadron of Kentucky Cavalry were now joined together, 
and ordered forward to the left, and somewhat in the rear of 
the 2d Indiana Regiment, and Lieut. O'Brien's section of 
Artillery. 

The enemy now opened his fire upon us from all quarters, 
which was promptly returned by the Second Indiana Regi- 
ment and O'Brien's battery. The whole of this time the 
four companies of Arkansas Cavalry, and the two companies 
of Kentucky Cavalry, were under a most galling fire from 
the infantry in front, and a cross fire of grape and canister 
from the battery posted on our left, without having orders to 
return the compliment. O'Brien returned the fire with his 
guns, as also did the 2d Indiana Regiment, but by some mis- 
take Col. Bowls gave the unfortunate orders to cease firing 
and retreat, which they did in great disorder. On running 
over the ravine, they came across the horses belonging to the 
Arkansas and Kentucky Riflemen, who were dismounted 
and in the mountain. Some of these they mounted, and 
pushed off for quarters more safe. This was what gave 
rise to the report of the Arkansas Regiment having retreated, 
as the men appeared like Arkansas men, being mounted on 
their horses. Any one at a distance would have been led to 
believe they were such. Some of these men were afterwards 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 121 

rallied, and fought with their Colonel in the Mississippi 
Regiment. In consequence of this movement, the enemy was 
inspired with new courage, and came rushing down the 
mountains. Colonel Marshall seeing the perilous situation 
of the riflemen, (which induced him to sound the retreat,) then 
rode up to Colonel Yell and proposed a charge on the Mex- 
ican lines, but before they could do so, the enemy was so 
near that it was deemed advisable to fall back across the 
ravine, and then charge them. Lieutenant O'Brien held his 
position as long as possible, and then fell back, leaving one 
of his pieces, all the men and horses belonging to it having 
been killed or wounded. Colonel Bissel's Regiment (2d 
Illinois), which had been joined by a section of Captain 
Sherman's battery, was completely out-flanked, and com- 
pelled to fall back, being entirely unsupported. About this 
time, Colonels Yell and Marshall, discovering that the enemy 
was attempting to cut oflf the riflemen, who were in immi- 
nent danger, gained an advantageous plat of ground, and 
charged the enemy's lines with great intrepidity and courage. 
Here for the first time the enemy was driven back.* By this 
advantage over the enemy, the riflemen were enabled to 
escape from the impending danger. Some got their horses 
and joined their regiment, and those who had no horses went 
on to the rancho. 

The enemy was now pouring masses of cavalry and in- 
fantry along the foot of the mountain, which made matters 
look rather serious. A.t this juncture General Taylor arrived 
from Saltillo. The Mississippians were ordered to the left 
before reaching their position, and immediately came into 
action with the Mexican infantry, who were in the act 
of turning our left flank. The 2d Kentucky Regiment, and 



* See Lieutenant Colonel Roane's Report in the Appendix. 
II 



122 NARRATIVE Of THfi 

a section of artillery under Captain Bragg, had been ordered 
from the right to reinforce our left. That regiment, and a 
portion of the 1st Illinois Regiment, under Colonel Hardin, 
gallantly drove the enemy back, and regained a portion of the 
ground we had lost. Captains Sherman's and Bragg's bat- 
teries were planted on the plateau, and did awful execution, 
both in front and among those who had gained our rear. The 
enemy was now pressing very heavily on the Mississippi 
Regiment, and the 3d Indiana Regiment, under Colonel Lane, 
was despatched to strengthen that part of our line. At the 
same time, Lieutenant Killburn, with a piece of Captain 
Bragg's battery, was also ordered to support the infantry 
there engaged. The action was for a time warmly contested 
at that point. The enemy made great efforts with his cav- 
alry and infantry, but was repulsed with heavy loss. 

The enemy still continued pushing his infantry and cavalry 
along the base of the mountain. The Arkansas* and Ken- 
tucky Cavalry, to which some of the riflemen who were 
fortunate enough to get their horses had now joined them- 
selves, had several skirmishes with the enemy's cavalry, but 
were compelled to fall back, being entirely unsupported, 
while the cavalry of the enemy was supported by hosts of 
infantry on the side of the mountain. 

Lieutenant Colonel May, with the regular cavalry, and 
Captain Pike's squadron of Arkansas Volunteer Cavalry, 
was ordered to their support, but on coming up to where the 
enemy could have been driven back, his command was or- 
dered to another part of the lield. This left tlie Arkansas 
and Kentucky Cavalry in a very unpleasant predicament. 
In the meantime a detachment of Captain Bragg's, and a part 
of Captain Sherman's batteries, were making sad havoc 

* The different corps printed in italics are those which were previ- 
ously with the Central Division. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 123 

among the enemy at another point on our left, and the deter- 
mined resistance they had met from the Mississippi and 3d 
Indiana Regiments had caused confusion in their ranks in 
that quarter, and some of them attempted to retreat upon 
their main line. Lieutenant Rucker, with a squadron of the 
\st Dragoons, was ordered up a deep ravine, which they 
were attempting to retreat across, to charge and disperse 
them. This squadron proceeded to the point from which 
they intended to charge, but it was impossible to effect this, 
being exposed to the fire of a battery, which was established 
to cover their retreat. While this squadron was detailed on 
this duty, the wagon train became extended out on the Sal- 
tillo road, and thus became a conspicuous mark for that por- 
tion of the enemy which had gained our rear. Their move- 
ments showed that they meditated a charge on upon it, in which 
case they would necessarily have to pass by the rancho of 
Buena Vista. Colonels Yell and Marshall discovered this 
manoeuvre, as also did the commanding General. The Ar- 
kansas and Kentucky Cavalry now fell back to obtain a safe 
position to receive their charge. In the meanwhile, the 
disorganized troops wliich had collected at the rancho were 
organized by Major Monroe, Chief of Artillery, assisted by 
Major Morrison, of the Commissary Department, and were 
stationed to defend that position. Lieut. Col. May had also 
been ordered with his squadron and two pieces of Captain 
Sherman's battery, under Lieutenant Reynolds, to assist in 
defending the station, but before he arrived the enemy had 
been gallantly met by the Arkansas and Kentucky Cavalry, 
when a most bloody fight ensued, so terrible that in the short 
space of a minute and a half (the time the fight lasted) up- 
wards of twenty were killed and wounded on the side of 
the Americans, and about thirty-five on the side of the enemy. 
They were, however, forced to yield, and divided into two 



124 NARRATIVE OF THE 

bodies, one sweeping by the rancho, whence they received a 
deadly fire from the troops collected there. At this time 
Col. May arrived and charged through the rancho, but the 
enemy had left ; they however received a few parting bles- 
sings from Lieutenant Reynolds's section as they ascended 
the mountain on our right. The remaining portion regained 
the base of the mountain on our left. 

In this charge fell Col. Yell, while gallantly fighting at the 
head of his regiment. It is said that it was owing to his 
bridle bitts breaking and his horse becoming ungovernable 
that he fell a victim to the Mexican lancers. Here fell, also, 
Capt. Porter of Company D, Arkansas Volunteers, and Ad- 
jutant Vaughan of the Kentucky Cavalry. 

Lieut. Col. May, who had been rejoined by the squadron 
of First Dragoons, the Arkansas Cavalry under Lieut. Col. 
Roane and by a portion of the Indiana troops under Major 
Gorman, now approached the base of the mountain, holding 
in check the right flank of the enemy, upon whom our artil- 
lery was doing fearful execution. 

The situation of that part of the enemy now became very 
critical, so much so that it seemed doubtful whether they 
could regain their main body. Gen. Santa Anna, seeing the 
perilous situation of this division of his army, by the inven- 
tion of a piece of Mexican strategy thought to avert its dis- 
comfiture. He sent a white flag to Gen. Taylor, desiring 
to know what he wanted, when Gen. Wool was forthwith 
deputed to reply. He proceeded to the Mexican battery at 
the base of the mountain to see the General-in-Chief, but in 
consequence of a refusal to cease firing upon our troops, he 
returned without seeing Gen. Santa Anna, or communicating 
the answer of Gen. Taylor, which was, that he wanted Santa 
Anna and all his army. 

Santa Anna had accomplished what he wished, for had ii 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 125 

not been for this piece of cunning craftiness, our troops could 
have prevented his cavalry from joining his main body, but 
in consequence of the cessation of firing on the part of our 
troops, they were enabled to gain their main line, not how- 
ever until they had received a farewell from Major McCul- 
lough's company of Texas Rangers, who had previously been 
attached to Col, May's command, but here, seeing that the 
enemy was about to get away, left and proceeded up the 
ravine and charged them on their own hook, but it had very 
little effect. 

The enemy had now concentrated his force for the pur- 
pose of making a bold move against our centre. Lieut- 
enant O'Brien was ordered to advance and check this move- 
ment, which he did in a most gallant manner, and maintained 
his position until his support was completely routed and his 
men and horses almost all killed or wounded. He was 
then compelled to abandon his remaining two pieces and 
they fell into the hands of the enemy. From this point 
the enemy marched to the centre, bringing up his six 
thousand reserve, now intending to make a last and despe- 
rate effort. 

They were met by the First and Second Regiments llli- 
noisiofis, under Cols. Hardin and Bissel, and the Second 
Kentuckians, under Col. McKee. These were all under the 
immediate eye of old Zack himself. He once remarked to 
Geu. Wool, that his men tore down ranchos, but now the 
First Rlinois Regiment was seen getting behind the ravine, 
and expressed himself that he was afraid they would not 
fight. Gen. Wool's reply was, "Hold on, General, and if 
you do not see another rancho torn down, why I'm not here." 
True enough, as the enemy arose on the other side of the 
ravine, the Ulinoisians let loose, and it was one continual 
sheet of fire pouring from their muskets, and, as Gen. Wool 
11* 



126 NARRATIVE OF THE 

said, they did tear down another rancho, and great was the 
fall thereof. 

This was the hottest and most critical part of the action, 
and our gallant Suckers and Kentuckians stood up before a 
vastly superior force for some time, but were about giving 
way when the batteries of Captains Sherman and Bragg came 
up most opportunely from the rear, under the immediate direc 
lion of Gen. Taylor, and by a well directed fire checked and 
drove back the enemy with great loss. It was at this time 
that Gen. Taylor made use of the words which have been going 
the rounds in the United States, namely, " Give them a little 
more grape, Capt. Bragg." 

A large body of the enemy's lancers now took our infantry 
in flank and drove them down the ravine in front of Capt. 
Washington'' s Battery, where Lieutenants Brent and Whit- 
ting gave them such a torrent of grape as soon put them to 
flight, and thus saved the remnants of those brave regiments 
who had stood the hottest of the fight. This was the last 
efl*ort made by Santa Anna, but the firing continued between 
the enemy's artillery and ours until dark, when, as if by 
mutual consent, both parties ceased. 

In this last charge, America lost some of her bravest and 
best sons ; they have sunk to their long and undisturbed 
repose, no more to urge on the battle with their cheering 
voices. Col. Hardin was an extraordinarily gallant and ac- 
complished officer; while in camp lie was the soldier's best 
friend, and on duly he assumed a commanding appearance 
that would have done honor to a Napoleon, Wellington, or a 
Jackson. His only fault in battle was, he was too forward 
and too conspicuous a mark for the enemy. When we look 
at the price at which the battle was obtained, and how many 
were killed who have left distressed widows and helpless or- 
phans, or afflicted and bereaved parents to mourn over an irre- 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 127 

parable loss, it can scarcely be called a victory. Such men as 
Yell, Hardin, McKee and Clay are but seldom found at the 
present day. 

That night the troops bivouacked without fires and sufiiered 
not a little from the cold. Gen. Wool had the wagons ar- 
ranged at the hacienda, and the wagoners armed, so that if a 
demonstration should be made in that quarter from the Mex- 
ican Cavalry who had menaced our rear during the day, they 
would be in a fair way to receive them. Their cavalry, under 
command of Gen. Minon, had ascended the elevated plain 
above Saltillo, and occupied the road leading from the battle 
field to the city, where they took several of our men, and 
likewise a wagon loaded with wounded, whom they killed. 
Capt. Shover, with a piece of artillery, supported by a com- 
mand of miscellaneous mounted volunteers, fired several well 
directed shots among them, which drove them into the 
ravines. Capt. Shover being reinforced by a piece of Capt. 
Webster's battery, from the redoubt, and Capt. Wheeler's 
company of Second Illinois Volunteers^ pursued them closely. 
The enemy made one or two attempts to charge the artillery, 
but was finally driven ofl^, and did not again appear on the 
plain. 

On the morning of the 24th, the troops were up before 
day in order to prepare and despatch a hasty breakfast of raw 
bacon and crackers, expecting a renewal of the fight at day- 
break. Many thought we would whip them easily this day, 
for the Mexicans, when they fought hard one day, would not 
do so the next, and the battle of Resaca de la Palma was re- 
ferred to as a sample. 

But just about day-break some of the troops posted on the 
plateau, discovered that the enemy had retreated, and the 
whole command sounded it throughout the camp. We 
mounted our horse and ascended to the plateau, and there 



128 NARRATIVE OF THE 

saw his last column as it moved off. Great was the joy- 
manifested when the word was first communicated to Gen. 
Taylor; he was standing beside a fire with some soldiers. 
When he heard it, he began rubbing his hands, which he 
continued to do for some seconds, and then said, " Boys, give 
us three cheers." Never were three more cordial cheers 
given than at this time. 

The Arkansas Cavalry^ under Lieut. Col. Roane, and the 
Kentucky Cavalry, under Col. Marshal, were mounted and 
started in pursuit. On going out, the most shocking sight 
met our eyes that we ever before witnessed. The ground 
was literally covered with men wounded, dead and dying, 
and the heart-rending and piteous moans sent up by those 
still alive, were sufficient to cause the stoutest hearts to 
shudder and the most blunted feelings to sympathise. We 
also noticed some women and children. Whether they were 
present at the time of the sanguinary conflict, we know not, 
but there they were now. We have no doubt they remained 
behind until their army retreated, and, not finding their hus- 
bands and friends with the main body, had come to seek them 
among the dead. 

We proceeded on towards Agua Nueva, taking a great 
many prisoners, but on coming within about four miles of 
that place we came upon their piquets and run them in. It 
was then discovered that the enemy had encamped at Agua 
Nueva ; so we halted, and, after collecting together the troops 
who had become scattered in hunting up wounded Mexicans 
in the chaparal that grew there, returned to the battle ground, 
where we heard platoons firing occasionally. It was our 
troops, who, notwithstanding they were worn out and ex- 
hausted, could not think of letting the remains of their fallen 
comrades lie unburied, a prey to wolves and vultures, and 
their bones to bleach under the burning sun of a tropical 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 129 

clime. Ever mindful of honorable actions, they were attend- 
ing the solemn rites with the honors of war, and never were 
those honors more deserved than in the present instance. 

The troops were now ordered to encamp at rancho Buena 
Vista. Capt. Pike's squadron Arkansas Cavalry and Lieut. 
Rucker's squadron of dragoons were sent out within sight of 
the enemy, to act as a piquet. It was here that Lieut. Rucker 
wanted to charge the whole Mexican army in their camp at 
Agua Nueva. On approaching within sight, say about four 
miles distance, the Mexican army, perceiving these two 
squadrons, formed a line of battle. Seeing this, the Lieuten- 
ant requested Capt. Pike, who was in command, to charge, 
but that officer refused, and good reason he had for declining 
the honor. However the Lieutenant declared he would, but 
refrained, because Capt. Pike, who was in command, thought 
it would be a piece of fool-hardiness. 

In the meanwhile, the troops had taken. up their camp at 
Buena Vista. Some went to work to procure for themselves 
a cup of coffee, a beverage they had not tasted during the 
previous forty-eight hours. Many were wishing for fresh 
meat, being tired of eating raw bacon, when suddenly, as if 
providentially sent, like quails to the Isrealites, a drove of 
sheep came running into camp. It is needless to say that 
without ceremony the sheep were despatched, and not one 
remained or escaped. 



130 NARRATIVE OF THE 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Report of the Number of Killed, Wounded and Missing — Causes of 
Different Reports — Troops remain at Buena Vista — Mexicans Leav- 
ing their Wounded to our Hospitality — An Election Held — Mexican 
Wounded in a Starving Condition — A Sickening Sight — American 
Deserters — Five Day's Rations left for the Wounded Mexicans — Gen. 
Taylor goes in Pursuit of Gen. Urrea — Encantada an Outpost — Gam- 
bling the Order of the Day Again — Ingenuity of the Indian while 
Engaged in Capturing Mules — Capture of Chihuahua — A Forgotten 
Thing brought Forward — Gen. Taylor Countermands — Camp Talk 
— Camanche Indians — Havoc among the Ranchos — Camanches take 
the Suckers' Caps — The Caravan Stopped and the Indians Victorious 
— Pretty Spectacle — Shy Looking Fellows — Recruiting Commenced 
and a New Company Formed — Visited by two Mexican Officers — 
Carrajo — Purport of the Mexican Officer's Despatches — Gen. Tay- 
lor's Reply. 

The troops remained at Btiena Vista until the 27th, during 
which time the boys of the Central Division (alas !) had an 
opportunity to talk about a real and genuine stampede^ one 
indeed for which they had wished. They were now per- 
fectly satisfied. We must here observe that our Indian did 
honor to his race. 

The following is a correct account, taken the day after the 
battle, of the killed, wounded and missing, amounting to 760. 
Different reports have been made out at later periods, which 
make the number still greater, but the cause of such an aug- 
mention is, that a vast number died of their wounds shortly 
after the battle. Our report may be relied on as accurate ; 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 



131 



Major Generals, killed, 


wounded, 


Brigadier Generals, 







1 


General Staff, 




1 


2 


Third Artillery, 




1 


22 


Fourth Artillery, 




5 


21 


First Dragoons, 







7 


Second Dragoons, 







2 


Kentucky Cavalry, 




27 


34 


Arkansas Cavalry, 




23 


40 


Mississippi Riflemen, 




40 


56 


First Illinois Infantry, 




29 


18 


Second Illinois Infantry, 




48 


75 


Second Kentucky Infantry, 




44 


57 


Second Indiana Infantry, 




32 


71 


Third Indiana Infantry, 




9 


56 


Texas Infantry, 




14 


2 


Total, 




— 






273 



464 



Missing. — Third Artillery, 2 ; Arkansas Cavalry, 4 ; Mis- 
sissippi Riflemen, 2 ; Second Illinois Infantry, 3 ; Second 
Kentucky Infantry, 1 ; Second Indiana Infantry, 4 ; Texas 
Infantry, 7. Total, 23, 

On the morning of the 27th, we struck our tents and 
started for Agua Nueva. We arrived there about 12 o'clock, 
and found that the Mexicans had evacuated the place, leav- 
ing a number of wounded to our hospitality. These were 
conveyed, together with the other wounded, to Saltillo. 

On the 28th, an election was held in the Arkansas and 1st 
Illinois Regiments, for the election of Colonels. In the first, 
Lieut. Col. Roane was elected Colonel, vice Col. Yell, de- 
ceased, and Adjutant Mears Lieutenant Colonel, vice Lieut. 
Col. Roane, promoted. In the latter, Lieut. Col. Weather- 
ford was elected Colonel, vice Col. Hardin, deceased, and 



132 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Major Warren Lieutenant Colonel, vice Lieut. Col. Weath* 
erford, promoted. 

On the 1st of March, Lieut. Col. Mears, with part of the 
Arkansas Regiment, was ordered to proceed to Encarnacion, 
in company with detachments from other corps, and a train 
of wagons, loaded partly with provisions, because, from 
latest accounts from that place, we heard that the Mexican 
army had left a vast number of wounded there, who were in 
a starving condition. After proceeding about ten miles, we 
began to find dead men, and from tliat on to Encarnacion the 
road was strewed with them. On reaching that place, the 
sight became sickening. The dead, dyingand wounded were 
all crow.ded together. Every house, church and other place 
was filled. O ! what a lesson to ambitious man. Was he 
ever created for the purpose of enhancing misery, and for 
populating hospitals like these ? The career of the most 
ambitious may end here, and the most ardent thirst for glory 
terminate in a manner similar to those objects of pity in the 
hospitals of Encarnacion. The wagons were unloaded, and 
bread and bacon given to the hungry, or those who were yet 
able to call for and masticate it. We never saw a hungry 
lion or tiger, in a menagerie, tear assunder and devour food 
in a more voracious manner than these half starved wretches. 
Some declared they had not eaten anything for five days. 

Here we saw some deserters from the American army. 
There they sat, looking worse than condemned criminals 
under the gibbet. They were now aware of the reality of 
their situation, and wanted to return to the American camp, 
but their supplications were in vain. General Taylor would 
have nothing to do with them. He told one of them, who 
was taken on the morning of February 24th, that he was not 
worth ihe powder it would take to shoot him. They were, 
however, resolved on coming, and when the troops left, they 



CENTKAL DIVISION. 133 

followed. When we last saw them, they were with the 
provost guard, wearing a sort of yoke around their necks, 
which must have made it very difficult for them to lie down, 
besides having something like a twenty-four pound shot 
attached to their legs. 

Some of the wounded were sent to Saltillo, but a great 
number yet remained. Provisions for five days were left 
for their benefit, but in our opinion it would not be sufficient 
for more than one. 

We arrived in camp on the evening of the 2d March, and 
remained at Agua Nueva until the 6th, without any special 
occurrence. This day General Taylor departed in pursuit 
of General Urrea, taking with him several of his favorite 
corps, but none of the Central Division. On the 8th we ail 
marched for Buena Vista. It now seemed as though we were 
destined to lie in camp a long time, which we actually did. 
The troops had an opportunity of resting, and really they 
needed it. 

Eight companies of the Arkansas Regiment were posted 
at Encantada, for the purpose of forming an outpost, and 
guarding the different passes in the neighborhood. The 
remaining two companies, Captain Pike's squadron, were 
stationed at Saltillo. 

We will not attempt to impart a daily report of matters 
and things in camp ; but everything of interest, and all divert- 
ing occurrences, shall be noticed, until our march for Ca- 
niargo. 

Gambling was the leading amusement of the day. The 
Arkansas men constructed a very good race course, on which 
races came off every day or two. We saw some very fleet 
horses running, and we likewise saw some distinguished 
officers acting as judges on these occasions. In fact the En- 
cantada race course was known throughout the whole army. 

12 



134 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Our Indian was now engaged in capturing horses and 
mules, which had strayed over the plain, with his lariat or 
lasso. This weapon he had learned to use with great dex- 
tisrity. He realized a pretty handsome profit by this business^ 
for he sold the captured animals to men who were on foot^ 
and who did not wish to go to much expense. 

Sometimes the owners would come and claim their prop- 
erty, prove it, and take it away. They proved the horses 
as their property by a brand on the hip. They brought their 
branding iron with them, and if it fitted the mark on the 
horse in question, of course he was given up. In such cases 
our Indian would be convicted, and his sentence was often 
the penalty of lying ten or fifteen days at the guard-house. 
However, he matched them after all, for he procured a piece 
of iron and altered the mark, so that he baffled the eflforts of 
the owners to recognize their property. 

Time went on now without any striking occurrences, un- 
til the first of April, when we heard of the battle of Sacra- 
mento and the capture of Chihuahua, by Col. Doniphan. 
This was the battle that had been intended for the Central 
Division. Had we never been so fortunate as to have got 
into a battle, we might have complained that we did not get 
the opportunity of taking Chihuahua. But we had been 
in a small skirmish on the 23d of February, which the boys 
of the " Sleepy Column" had not yet forgotten. They were 
perfectly satisfied. Capt. Pike, of the Arkansas Cavalry, 
was ordered to proceed forthwith to Chihuahua, as bearer of 
despatches to Col. Doniphan, which he did with an escort of 
about twenty men. 

Something was brought forward about this time which 
every body thought was forgotten, and that was the affair 
which came oflf on the 10th of February, viz : the killing 
of the murderous rancheros, for the brutal murder thev had 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 136 

committed. The companies concerned were ordered to take 
up their march for the Rio Grande. This was sudden, but 
the men did not take it hard. They thought it would only 
be getting that much nearer home. The time specified for 
them to start was the 7th of April. On the night of the 6th 
all hands in the Arkansas Regiment took a general parting 
spree, and such a time Encantada had hitherto been a stran- 
ger to. In the morning they started off, amid the cheers of 
the remainder of the regiment. They, however, did not go 
farther than Monterey. Lieut. Col. Mears accompanied them 
that distance, and by a letter from Gen. Wool, and his own 
influence. Gen. Taylor was induced to countermand his pre- 
vious orders, and these two companies returned to Encantada, 
much against the will of some, but not of all, for there were 
some in these companies who were innocent, and had evinced 
a noble spirit by a willingness to share the disgrace (if our 
readers will term it by that cognomen,) with their companions. 

The time was now approaching for the discharge of the 
twelve months volunteers, which formed camp talk for the 
soldiers. Nothing occurred worthy of note, until about the 1st 
of May, when the Camanche Indians made a descent on the 
country which had been considered as conquered by the 
Americans, and made great havoc among the Mexican ranches, 
killing men, women and children, and stealing their horses, 
cattle and everything they could get their hands on. It now 
became necessary to send out detachments to prevent these 
depredations from being committed. We had conquered the 
country, and of course it was our duty to protect it. Com- 
panies were accordingly sent out in every direction, but to 
no purpose. The Indians were no where to be found, but 
still continued their depredations to such an extent that it 
was dangerous for Mexicans to travel. 

Some three or foqr of the Illinois Volunteers happened 



106 NARRATIVE OF THE 

to be out procuring some wood, and while busily engaged, 
the Indians came upon them, scaring them not a little, for 
they had the appearance of Mexican lancers, being armed 
with that weapon. They came charging on them before the 
" Suckers" had lime to form a hollow square to repel them. 
One of the Indians spoke a little English, and exclaimed, 
*' Americanos, how do do ?" The Indians then asked to see 
their caps, which request was granted, and after looking at 
them for some time, they put them on, when the whole party 
raised a loud laugh and galloped off, biding " good bye," and 
leaving our heroes minus their caps. 

A party was sent out about this lime on the Zacatecas 
road for the purpose of intercepting some stores which were 
reported to be on the way to the Mexican forces stationed at 
San Luis Polosi. After riding all night, they overhauled 
the caravan and stopped it. The men were fatigued and 
hungry, and after leaving a guard with the captured property, 
they concluded to go to a neighboring rancho, and obtain 
something to eat. But lo, and behold ! while they were^ 
gone the Indians came upon the caravan, charging the 
guard, when the Mexicans and all vamosed, leaving the 
Indians victorious. 

When the party who had gone to the rancho returned, they 
found a pretty spectacle ; everything had been overhauled. 
Some of them, going in a hurry, had left their forage sacks 
with some corn in them, which was emptied out, but nothing 
was taken except a couple of the Mexican mules. The In- 
dians must have conceived the idea that the stores belonged 
to the Americans, or they would undoubtedly have carried 
something away. The guard, so called, who ran sans 
ceremonie, leaving stores and all to the triumph of the In- 
dians, came into camp one by one, and such a shy looking 
set of fellows we never before saw^ Their only excuse was 



CKNTRAL DIVISION. 137 

tliat they thought they were Mexican lancers. The number 
of Indians that raised this enormous stampede, we subse- 
quently learned, was somewhere about forty. They still 
continued their depredations on the Mexicans. In fact the 
Camanche Indians are the most inveterate enemies of the 
Mexican peasantry. 

About this time Lieut. Col. Mears commenced to recruit 
a company of cavalry to serve during the war. This was 
an undertaking that was looked upon as useless, in conse- 
quence of the suffering and privation the troops had endured 
during the past year. One would have supposed it impossi- 
ble to have enlisted one man, but such was not the case. 
Col. Mears was generally beloved by the whole regiment, 
and got many signatures to his roll. The prospects of a 
speedy peace were quite promising, news having been receiv- 
ed of the siege of Vera Cruz and the battle of Cerro Gordo. 
Numbers judged that the war was almost over, and the 
idea of receiving 160 acres more of land, making, in addition 
to their previous services, 320 acres, induced many to join. 
The roll was finally filled, and an election was held for offi- 
cers. Col. Mears was unanimously elected Captain, not 
having any opponent ; Adjutant Ross was elected First Lieu- 
tenant ; Second Lieutenant McAfee, of company G, was 
elected Second Lieutenant, and private D. P. W. Morrison, 
of company B, was elected Junior Second Lieutenant; all 
the officers being elected from the Arkansas Regiment.* They 
were indeed a good looking company, and we sincerely be- 
lieve, should they ever get a chance, they will again do honor 
to the different regiments to which they form.erly belonged. 

About this time, the 17th of May, we had a visit paid 
us by two Mexican officers. They came to one of our 

* We forgot to mention that a numbrr of both regiments of the Illi- 
nois Volunteers joined the company. 
12* 



1S8 NARRATIVE OF THE 

piquets and requested to be conducted in. They were ac- 
cordingly taken to the Arkansas camp first, and I have no 
doubt they thought they were a used up community, for the 
Rackensacks made a perfect charge to get a good look at them. 
Not having had much time for an examination at the charge 
on the ranclio on the 23d of February, they were anxious to 
know how they looked on closer inspection. We noticed 
one fellow examining every thing minutely, at the conclu- 
sion of which he scared the Mexican almost out of his saddle 
by looking at him, grinning like an ourang outang, and 
saluting him with that emphatic Spanish word, which every 
volunteer has learned, '^carrajo!^' After saying this he 
walked off, leaving the terrified lancer to make the best he 
could of it. 

The Mexican deputation was sent to Gen. Wool, and he 
detained them in Saltillo, sending their despatches to Gen. 
Taylor. The purport of these was, the commander at San 
Luis Potosi wished to know whether Gen. Taylor was re- 
solved to wage a war similar to that of the Camanches, or a war 
like civilized nations. What induced him to send such a 
request we know not, for no depredations had been commit- 
ted on the Mexicans lately, save by the Camanche Indians 
themselves. Perhaps the Americans were accused at San 
Luis with it. Gen. Taylor's answer was, that he would 
reply to him before the walls of San Luis, and so sent the 
bearer of despatches back, or at least had them escorted 
through the American lines, from whence they might go 
where they pleased. 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 139 



CHAPTER XYII. 

The Time for Going Home— Great Sufferings of Col. Doniphan's 
Troops — lUinoisians start for New Orleans — Gen. Wool's Parting 
Address — Reflections — Forbearance of Gen. Wool — His Courage and 
Valor— Remarks — Anecdote of the Youug Officer and his Dulcinea — 
Central Division about Breaking Up in Earnest — The Parting Hand 
to Gen. Wool — Army of Chihuahua — Regiment Proceeds Twelve 
Miles — Our Indian Again — Encamped at Reconada — Gen, Ampu- 
dia's Fortification— Reach Monterey — The Black Fort and Bish- 
op's Palace — Capt. Pike's Squadron Discharged — Joyful News — The 
Bodies of Col. Yell, Capt. Porter and Private Pelham — Set out and 
Arrive at Ceralvo — Saw Massachusetts Volunteers — Encamped at 
Canales' Run — The Town of Meir— Reached Camargo on the Fif- 
teenth — Gen. Pillow's Fortress — Illinois Regiments Mustered Out 
of Service — Arkansas Regiment Discharged — Stanzas — Addresses 
Given by Cols. Weatherford, Bissel and Roane — Paymasters Fin- 
ish their Work — Our Indian Remains There — Encamped at the 
Depot of Rio Grande — Mexican Rope Dancers — Upper Reynoso — 
Reach the Mouth of the River — Arrive at the Mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi — Arrive at the Crescent City — Reflections — New Orleans 
Dandies — Appeal to the Reader — The Author's Remarks Respecting 
Himself — Appeal to the Public. 

The Arkansas and the two Illinois regiments now learned 
the time designated for them lo leave for home. The Illinois 
regiments were to start on the 30th of May, and the Arkan- 
sas regiment on the 5th of June. The place at which we were 
10 be discharged was New Orleans. This did very well 
for the Illinoisians, but a great many of the Arkansas men 
wished to return by land through Texas, which caused some 
little dissatisfaction ; but we think liiat a man who with- 



140 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Stood the hardships peculiar to our campaign, and faced 
death in all its ghastly forms, might be glad to escape out of 
Mexico the best way he could. 

Capt. Pike and escort had arrived in good health. Col. 
Doniphan's troops had also arrived and underwent an in- 
spection from Gen. Wool and then started for New Orleans, 
there to be discharged, their term of service having expired. 
These men looked as though they had not only seen the 
elephant but the kangaroo, also. Their sufferings must have 
been very great, and we are of the opinion that shoes were 
in demand in the regiment, but no merchants to supply them. 

At length the 30th arrived, and the Illinoisians, with light 
hearts, set out for New Orleans. Gen. Wool accompanied 
them as far as Saltillo, where he delivered to them a parting 
address. We learned from a gentleman who was present 
that it was a most affecting scene. It seemed difficult for 
the good old General to part with the troops who had shared 
the troubles and toils of the march from San Antonio to Sal- 
tillo with him, and, last of all, but not least, had stood by him 
in time of need. 

Here we see a man whose name, four months prior, had 
not been mentioned hut with scorn, now hailed with bene- 
dictions, lauded and beloved by every man of the Central 
Division yet on the stage of action, and wo to the man who 
would have dared to speak disrespectfully of Gen. Wool in 
the "Sleepy Column." It was now seen that the man who 
only slept six hours out of twenty-four, and used so much 
discretion and discipline, was the man in time of danger. 
It is said that some time during the march, one of his officers 
told him that the troops were cursing him. " Oh ! " said 
he, " never mind ; let them alone, they will find something 
else to do before their time expires." 

At the battle of Buena Vista, Gen. Wool's conduct was 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 141 

such as to win the approbation of every man in the army. 
We saw him ourself, riding alone, where balls were flying 
almost as dense as rain drops from the clouds, or as hail in a 
storm, and at all times during the day, he was constantly a 
shining mark for Mexican bullets. As for qualifications, our 
army has ^e\v better Generals. Gen. Taylor, in his official 
despatches, mentions his name in the highest terms of ap- 
plause. But we are not writing biographies, and will con- 
clude the remark concerning Gen. Wool, by saying that other 
regular officers of the army have, during the past year, risen 
from the rank of Brevet Brigadier General to that of Major 
General, and Gen. Wool, we know, has distinguished himself 
aa much as they. How is it that he remains without a pro- 
motion ? Perhaps some of the worthies at Washington can 
inform us. 

We have been told a very ludicrous and laughable story 
concerning one of the young officers attached to the 1st Illi- 
nois Regiment. It would seem that the young spark was 
irresistably smitten with the charms of one of the senoritas 
of Saltillo, whose black and lustrous hair, shining like the ra- 
ven's plumage, hung in apparent neglect around her handsome 
brow, and over her graceful neck, in beautiful ringlets, and 
whose sylph-like form and gazelle-like agility was too much 
for our hero to resist, although he could withstand the copper 
balls of the Mexicans, and the lasso of the murderous ran- 
cheros. Therefore, when the time arrived for his departure, 
he thought he could not help paying a visit to his fair dulcinea. 
After going to a Mexican barber shop, and having himself 
done up wiihin an inch of his life, the little golden stripes on 
his shoulders, termed epaulettes, which were soon to slum- 
ber, like Gen. Taylor's, in an old trunk, were now brushed 
up for the last time. After viewing himself all over, to see 
that all was right, he set out on his amorous excursion to 



142 NARRATIVE OF THE 

the casa (house) which contained the object of his adoration, 
to worship at the shrine of the fair goddess, and to sip the 
dulcified nectar from those enchanting lips, ere he should for- 
ever leave her and the land of red peppers and pelonsellas. 

On coming to the house, he thought over all the Spanish 
he had ever learned, and knocked at the door. It was open- 
ed by a rough looking pion, and he was conducted to the 
room of the fair one. The meeting was an affecting one, 
as might be anticipated. After conducting her to the sofa, 
he commenced to tell her (in Spanish, of course,) in the best 
manner possible, that he was going to leave her, perhaps for- 
ever, when she, without listening to his sentimental tale of 
love, put her delicate little hand to her forehead, and took 
something therefrom, and holding it between her fingers, she 
said J " Como si llmna este en Americano .^" [What is 
the name of this in American.] He looked at it, and ex- 
claimed, "A louse, by G — d !" The poor love-smitten 
officer vamosed without entering on the duties commonly per- 
formed by parting lovers. He took up his line of march for 
Camargo with a lighter heart than he had expected. 

The Central Division was now about to break up in earn^ 
est. The only troops remaining of that Division were the 
Arkansas Cavalry, a squadron of the 1st Dragoons, Captain 
Washington's Artillery, Captain Mears' company oi mount-> 
ed volunteers, formed out of the Arkansas and two Illinois 
Regiments, and the company of Texas Foot Volunteers. 

On the 3d, Captain Pike's squadron, Arkansas Cavalry, 
left for home, and on the morning of the 5th the remainder of 
the regiment did likewise. 

Gen. Wool being somewhat indisposed, was not able to 
come out to address the whole regiment. The officers, there- 
fore, went to his tent, where they took the parting hand with 
the old General. He conversed with them for some time, 



CENTRAL DIVISION, 143 

during which he said no cavalry regiment in the service had 
performed more duly than the Arkansas Regiment. This 
was the last regiment of the Central Division which remain- 
ed in the field, and it was about to leave too. Thus the 
great army of Chihuahua became extinct. 

On the 5th of June, the Arkansas Regiment proceeded 
twelve miles from Saltillo, and encamped by the side of a 
small stream. Our Indian had provided all the boys on foot 
with horses, by which he had realized a " fine pile." The 
last trick we heard of his having done, was on the day we 
left Encantada. He went to a neighboring rancho and drove 
ofT an old mule, which was not worth three picayunes. The 
owner followed, entreating him to give him his mule back 
again. After constraining the Mexican to walk about ten 
miles, he gave him his mule. 

On the morning of the 6lh we set out, and encamped that 
night at Reconada Pass. We saw this day the place which 
Gen. Ampudia had fortified subsequent to the great dattle of 
Monterey, being apprehensive that Gen. Taylor might come 
after him. Had Gen. Taylor met him there, he would 
have had a harder fight than he had at Monterey, for un- 
doubtedly it is the most formidable place we have seen in 
Mexico. The only way of approaching it is by ascending 
a hill, by a road about wide enough for four men to ride 
abreast. At the head of this, Ampudia had a redoubt thrown 
up, so that he could have raked the whole road. 

On the next day, the 7ih, we reached Monterey, and pro- 
ceeded to the Walnut Spring, and encamped near General 
Taylor's camp. At Monterey we visited the Black Fort, 
which, with the improvements made by order of Gen. Tay- 
lor, would stand a long siege. We counted thirty-four pieces 
of ordnance, all of which, with the exception of two howit- 
zers, had been taken from the Mexicans. We also visited 



144 NARRATIVE OF THE 

the Bishop's Palace, which resembles the ruins of some old 
castle more than a palace occupied by a pielate of the nine- 
teenth century. In fact it reminded us of the Alamo, at 
San Antonio. We visited several other places in the city, 
where conflicts had taken place during the siege. 

We here learned that Capt. Pike's squadron had been dis- 
charged, by their own request, and also that the remainder of 
the Arkansas and the two Illinois Regiments would be dis- 
charged at Camargo. This was joyful news to us, for our 
time of being discharged was nigh at hand, and ii was like- 
wise good news to those who wished to go home by land, 
because they would now have an opportunity. 

We should have previously mentioned that the bodies of 
Col. Yell, Capt. Porter, and private John Pelham, of com- 
pany B, Arkansas Regiment, had been disinterred, under the 
superintendence of 1st Lieutenant N. T. Gaines, commanding 
company B, and were now on their way to the United States 
to find a resting place in their native land. 

We remained at the Walnut Springs until the mroning of 
the lOth, when we set out for Camargo. 'I'he first evening, 
we encamped at Agua Frio, which means cold water, but it 
was about as v/arm as any we had previously drank. 

On the evening of the 12th we arrived at Ceralvo, where 
we found a portion of the Massachusetts Volunteers encamp- 
ed. They were complaining very much, and wished for 
peace, their regiment being in for the war. Seeing so many 
of the twelve months volunteers on the road home, it no 
doubt worked on their feelings. We heard some of them 
asking one of our men how long he thought they would have 
to stay. " O," said he, " assuming a face as long as if he 
were saying grace before a thanksgiving dinner, '• I think it 
is probable you will get out of it in about five years," and 
then started ofl^, whistling " Home, sweet home." 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 145 

The next day we encamped at what is called Canales' 
Run, from the fact of its having been the depot of that bri- 
gand general. Our march the day after was to the town of 
Meir. This town is noted for being the place wliere some 
Texians were captured in 1839, among whom was Capt. 
Henrie. He was taken with Majors Gaines' and Bore- 
land's party at Encarnacion, but subsequently made his 
escape. 

Th3 following morning we were off, it being twenty-five 
miles to Camargo, at which place we arrived about 3 o'clock, 
P. M., on the 15th. We thought we should never meet any 
of the corps of the Central Division again, but were mis- 
taken, for we here found both of the Illinois regiments en- 
camped, not having yet been discharged. Thus, the majority 
of the " Sleepy Column " were together once more, and soon 
the Rackensacks and Suckers were seen arm in arm, stroll- 
ing over the town and enjoying themselves comparatively 
well. 

We here had an opportunity of seeing the celebrated, far- 
famed and much-talked-of works with the ditches on both 
sides, constructed by Gen. Pillow. We think the General's 
ideas were good, that is, if he intended to make the men 
stand between the inner ditch and the breast work to fight, 
because it would keep them from retreating, for once between 
the breast work and the ditch, it would be impossible to fall 
back, and thus it would save any corps from disgrace. 

On the 16th, the 1st Illinois regiment was mustered out of 
service, and the men paid off during this day and part of the 
next. On the following day, the 17ih, the 2.1 Illinois Regi- 
ment was mustered out of service, and some of the 1st regi- 
ment started off on a steamboat for the mouth of the river. 
On the 20th the Arkansas regiment was discharged. Now, 

as all the troops were discharged, in passing through the 

13 



146 NARRATIVE OF THE 

Streets of Camargo you might hear the following lines, 
chaunted by some of the Volunteers : 

" No more I'll pant for glory's wreath, 
Or long and feathered plumes to strut, 
Sleep rusty sabre in your sheath — 
E'gad I've seen the elephant ! " 

The Colonels, on the discharge of the regiments, delivered 
some very appropriate addresses to the men they lately had 
the honor of commanding. Cols. Weatherford and Bissel 
delivered theirs publicly, so that we were unable to obtain 
them. They were, however, touching and enthusiastic, and 
every way calculated to do credit to their heads and hearts. 
Col. Roane's was issued in the shape of an order. Thus we 
obtained it, and it reads as follows : 

Headquarters Arkansas Regiment, ^ 
Camp near Camargo, Mexico, June 18, 1847. > 

General Order. — The Colonel Commanding would desire in this, 
his last General Order to the Regiment with which he has so long 
been associated, and which he has for some time had the honor to 
command, to tender his deepest gratitude and kindest regards. 

During the last year we have been associated in arms, co-labor- 
ers for the honor of our beloved country, and participators in the 
hardships, privations and dangers incident to a soldier's life ; and 
now, when the term of our service is about expiring, it is my 
greatest pride, as it is my pleasure, to publish to you, and proclaim 
to the whole world, my entire satisfaction with the manner in which 
you have discharged your duties. 

However arduous and dangerous the service may have been? 
requiredof you, I am proud to say, I have ever found a prompt and 
efficient support from my officers, and a willing and ready obedience 
yielded by the men. Conduct like this on your part could not fai^ 
to create art impression on my mind indelible, and as kind as lasting. 
I yield to an irresistible impulse, when I announce to you that your 
conduct at Buena Vista was alike creditable to yourselves individ- 
ually, to your State and your country. In the language of Briga- 



CENTRAL DIVlSIOff. 147 

dier General Wool, I may say to you : " You have nobly answered 
every end for which you were called into the service ; your con- 
duct in the great battle of Buena Vista is worthy of commendation ; 
you have rendered a service to your country, of which you have 
abundant reason to be proud. There was glory enough won upon 
the bloody field of Buena Vista for all who did their duty there." 
This is true; and I may add, that none will detract from the living 
— much less the dead — who are not cravens, and who did not basely, 
falter, and cowardly skulk from danger themselves. The poisoned 
shafts of defamation from this polluted source have been attempted 
to be fastened on the escutcheon of this Regiment, but have fallen 
far short of the mark; and he who vilely hurled them is destined 
to wear the mantle of shame, and be the scoff of all honest and 
honorable men. 

I deem it my duly to call attention to the gallant officers who 
have thus rendered such valuable service to their countrj', either as 
commanders of companies or as subalterns. I would here premise 
that three officers were unfortunately prevented from participating 
in the dangers of the battle by severe indisposition — Capt. English' 
Capt. Taylor, and Lieut. Douglass had long been confined to their 
beds by severe and dangerous sickness. The afflictions of Provi- 
dence should be borne with patience, although at this particular 
time it was peculiarly distressing. 

The commanders of companies worthy of notice are : Captains 
Patrick, Dillord, Hunter, and Preston; Lieutenants Trousdall, 
Reader, Gaines ; and Desha, after the fall of Capt. Porter, whose 
conduct whilst living caused his death to be most especially 
lamented. 

The subalterns whose conduct is alike worthy of commendation 
are : Adjutant Means ; Lieutenants McKean, Foster, Toraberlin, 
Hill, McLean, Scott, Jesse Searcy, Stuart, Sagely, Fagan, Calvert, 
Giles, Richard Searcy, Carr, Degraftenreid, Cochrane, Willhoff, 
McAfie, McCown, and Sergeant Major B. F. Ross. 

Then you have all to rejoice at the prospect of soon meeting 
kind friends at home, with the proud satisfaction of knowing that 
you have done your duty to your country, both in the camp and on 
the battle field— with nothing to regret, save that you are forced to 
ieave behind you some of your brave companions in arms, and 



148 NARRATIVE OF THE 

amongst that number is oar beloved and gallant Colonel. To those 
who knew him, eulogy is superfluous— we should have a tear for 
his fall, and love for his memory. 

JOHN SELDEN ROANE, 

Col Ark. Reg't Cav. 

On the 22d, the paymasters had completed paying off the 
troops, and, at 3 o'clock the same day, all set out with a 
train of wagons for Reynosa, about forty miles distant, where 
we expected to find steamboats, the river being too low tor 
boats to ascend to Camargo, having fallen a great deal the three 
previous days. 

The last we saw of our Indian was when he was prepar- 
ing to return to Saltillo. We asked him his reason for doing 
so, but he gave us little satisfaction, saying, "great country, 
this." We know not what his intentions were, but we 
think, should he commit any depredations on the Mexicans 
while not belonging to any corps, Gen. Wool will "skeer an 
Injin very bad." 

The night after leaving Camargo we encamped at the depot 
on the banks of the Rio Grande. Here we found the boat 
on which part of the first regiment had started, fast aground. 
They came ashore and joined us, so we were together once 
more. At this place we had an exhibition of Mexican rope 
dancers. They had a large enclosure built up of brush, in- 
side of which they performed. The house was crowded, 
but the performance was very indifferent. They had, also, 
a clown who performed with his face blacked, and who re- 
minded us of our negro singers in the United States. He 
spoke a litde English, and contrived to make the boys laugh 
now and then. After it was all over, the boys demolished 
their apparatus, run them off and commenced playing cards 
by the light of their fires. 

The next day we came to what is termed Upper Reynosa, 



CENTRAL DIVISION. 149 

and on the 24th we arrived at Lower Reynosa, where we 
found plenty of steamboats waiting for us. Some embarked 
that evening and others the next morning, the 25th of June. 
We now thought that we were parted for good, but, on going 
down, the first boat got aground, and the other coming along 
side, jammed against her, and stuck fast also, when the boys 
sent up three cheers that the great Army of Chihuahua had 
come together again. 

On the evening of the 26ih, we reached the mouth of the 
river, where we tarried one day and then started in wagons 
for the Brazos, which was nine miles distant. Here we took 
shipping for New Orleans, and after a pleasant voyage, of 
four days, with the exception of all hands being a little sea 
sick, we arrived at the mouth of the Mississippi river, where 
we found a vessel laden with troops. The Arkansawians 
were remarking among themselves that they were going to a 
place they knew but little about, (supposing them to be on 
their way to Mexico,) when a strapping big fellow got up on 
the side of the vessel and exclaimed : "Go it, Rackensacks ! 
are you on your way to Chihuahua?" All hands looked- 
and behold, there were the Suckers, snugly ensconced on 
board of a vessel, they having left Brazos some six hours be- 
fore us, and arrived at the Balize about the same time (six 
hours,) before we did, and here they were now, waiting for a 
tow-boat to take them to New Orleans. Finally one arrived 
and towed us all up to the Crescent City, which we reached 
on the evening of the 3d oi" July, 1847. 

Such a scatterment we never before witnessed, and the 
next day all hands appeared in a new dress. Here were the 
men who had travelled over about sixteen hundred miles, 
lived on wheat bran, ground their own flour in hand mills, 
helped to fight one of the hardest battles that was ever waged 
on the American continent, and faced the grim monster death 

13* 



150 CENTRAL DIVISION. 

in every form, now transformed into New Orleans dandies. 

And now, kind reader, we have taken you through a great 
many scenes, and given you an account of things that have oc- 
curred under our immediate observation and from various in- 
disputable sources. Should any one who has been attached 
to the Central Division, observe any thing on these, our hum- 
ble and unassuming pages, which he thinks incorrect, why, let 
him pass it over and read that which he is assured is cor- 
rect. But finally, let him remember, before he passes cen- 
sure and pronounces judgment from that dread tribunal, (I 
mean an unmerciful criticism,) that some things may have 
transpired that he is not aware of and knows nothing about. 

As to our humble self, who, in our vale of obscurity, would 
hardly be noticed further than to be counted as one of the men 
of the army by those of epauletts, (who are generally crown- 
ed with laurels and fill up the measure of their country's 
glory,) have, notwithstanding, given the circumstances just 
as they transpired, and have written without fear. 

We would say to the public in general, and especially 
to those into whose hands this little work may fall, after you 
have read it you will know that there once upon a time exist- 
ed " The Great Army of Chihuahua." 



APPENDIX. 



NARRATIVE, 

OF MATTERS WHICH TRANSPIRED DURING THE TIME THE 
AUTHOR WAS LEFT IN THE HANDS OF THE MEXICANS. 

The Arkansas Regiment had been sent to Patos, where 
they encamped for the purpose of obtaining forage. After 
being there a short time, an order came from General Wool, 
which compelled them to leave almost instantaneously. 

At this time there was a man in the hospital who could 
not be removed. His disease indicated death in a very short 
time. This rendered it indispensably necessary lo leave him 
behind, with some person to attend him. This, however, 
was a situation which very few seemed to envy, and no one 
evinced a willingness to enter on the duties of so charitable a 
calling. The poor invalid, a stranger in a strange land, and far 
away from friends and relations, excited my pity ; and finally, 
being somewhat fond of romance and adventure, I consented 
to stay, on one condition. I went to the Colonel and told 
him that if he would go to the priest and induce him to take 
care of me, I would remain. He said he would do so, and 
immediately proceeded, as I judged, to see his reverence. 
In a few minutes he returned and told me all was right. I 
then requested that a German, a friend of mine, should re- 
main with me. The sick man being also a German, 1 deemed 



1 52 APPENDIX. 

his presence necessary. My request was granted. I then 
handed my note book to a friend, that he might note every 
thing of importance which might occur, according to my 
custom heretofore. If there is anything omitted in our mem- 
orandum, between the 11th of January and the 9th of Feb- 
ruary, this will account for it. The regiment left about 
daylight. 

The Mexicans did not interfere with us for some time, 
but when they discovered us, they made a perfect charge, 
taking everything from us but our arms. My German com- 
panion was for fighting, but this I knew would be folly, con- 
sidering we were in their power, and the mildest manner of 
dealing with them I judged to be the best. Finally, 1 was 
aware that I must do something, and placing one of my pis- 
tols in my bosom, 1 determined that if they attempted foul 
play, I would slay one of them before I gave up the ghost. 

In this manner 1 went to see his reverence the priest. On 
my way 1 had no small escort ; indeed it reminded me of 
the visit of the Alcalde of Presidio to General Wool. I 
entered the house in as humble a manner as I could, in an 
attitude which I intended to indicate to the priest that I wish- 
ed for his blessing. However, after these preliminaries came 
the tug of war. He did not understand one word of English, 
nor I one word of Spanish. A.s things went, I was in an un- 
pleasant predicament. But, finally, I struck on a plan which 
answered my purpose. I beckoned him to follow me, which 
he did, the crowd of Mexicans escorting us back. 

When we entered the hospital, I found my German friend 
very much excited. A crowd of Mexican boys had assailed 
him, and there he was, with his sabre buckled on, and a pis- 
tol in each hand, using the following language ; " Dunner 
wetter ; himmel sackerment 1 Hole me der tifel, die verdamte 
spitsbooben, me shoot you justament right off, if you does 



APPENDIX. 1 53 

not back out from dis blace, and dat devilish soon !" These 
words were accompanied with a great many antic gestures, 
at which the Mexicans were enjoying a hearty laugh. 

The priest entered the hospital, and fortune appeared to 
lavish her smiles upon us, as soon as the sacerdotal function- 
ary was in. The invalid, as it now appeared, was a professor 
of the Roman Catholic religion, and by some means unknown 
to me, the priest immediately discovered it, and an immediate 
di3persi(jn of the rabble, who had congregated about the door, 
was effected. 

The priest, after this, took me back to his own house, where 
he gave me to understand I was to stay. This pleased rne 
not a little, for, by the bye, the quarters looked not uninvi- 
ing ; but how my friend the German and the sick man were 
to be attended to, I could not conjecture. There was no 
great use in asking any questions, for neither of us under- 
stood a word the other said, consequently I concluded to 
wait, and see what would be done. 

After tarrying a while at the house of his reverence, I re- 
turned to the hospital, where I found matters changed, and a 
different scene from the one which I had before witnessed. 
My German friend was again assailed, not with boys, how- 
ever, but with women, while he himself was flying around 
in a manner which would have done honor to some of the 
German female cooks in some of our eastern cities, not with 
a pistol in each hand, as on the former occasion, but with 
bowls of atole (a sort of gruel), tortillas (corn cakes), goat's 
meat, and in fact everything eatable in the Mexican bill of 
fare. 

I had now obtained light on the sublect, and could without 
much difficulty divine the cause of all these favorable and 
fortunate changes. It seems the priest had informed the 
men who had collected when he visited the hospital, that the 



154 APPENDIY. 

sick man was a Catholic, and they had communicated the 
same to the women, who are constitutionally merciful. 
They, in consequence, had come with something for the in- 
valid to eat. After my German friend had given him as 
much of the bounties of the generous-hearted women as was 
necessary for the time being, he appropriated the balance to 
himself, saying at the same time : " These Mexshican vomins 
is much besser as de men." 

From this time on, the Mexicans appeared quite full of 
friendship, and conducted themselves with deference and res- 
pect towards me. 1 boarded at the reverend gentleman's 
house, and the German always got enough to eat and drink 
from the balance which remained fiom what was brought 
by the women for the sick man. 

The priest commenced teaching me to speak Spanish, at 
which I was quite an apt scholar. I soon began to habelur 
(talk) tolerably well. The sick man, as had been expected 
from the nature of his disease, and connecting and surround- 
ing circumstances, died in a few days, and was buried in the 
church yard. Having lived and died as a soldier, in the ser- 
vice of his adopted country, we buried him with the honors 
of war. I had a stone affixed to his grave, to designate his 
last resting place, no more to be disturbed, until the sound of 
Gabriel's trump shall wake him at the last day. 

I should have mentioned before, that a horse which had 
been sick, and unable to travel on a forced march, was left 
here, the owner thereof having taken the sick man's horse 
and accompanied the regiment. The priest's idea, in this 
case, was that should the man die, he would retain the horse 
as an equivalent for his burial fees. My German friend begged 
leave to object to the opinion of his reverence, by saying : 
" You besser sell de hause for vat he vill fetch, and dat 
monish ve vill den put in our own bockets, and after dat go 



APPENDIX. 1 55 

to de camp." I saw at one glance the plausibility and seem- 
ing truth of the old man's words, and shortly afier the inval- 
id's death, sold the horse to a young Mexican buck, who 
had previously wanted him, for twenty dollars. 

The moment his reverence was informed of the transac- 
tion, he became enraged, and went on at a tremendous rate, 
declaring he would have the horse. My readers may ima- 
gine that I now felt rather queer, and judged myself lo be in 
a bad fix. I conjectured that probably if I would give him 
the money it would pacify him. With this view I went to 
the German, who had all the money, for as I was out more 
than he, I concluded it unsafe lo carry any money about 
me, and related to him the passion the holy man had worked 
himself into, and likewise intimated to him that we had better 
give tlie price of the horse to the priest. " What !" said he, 
geb him the monish? Dunner wetter ihe holiy sackerment ! 
Give him de gelt ? Dat ve vill not do. The gelt ish good 
for get sour-krout mit, and ve vill shump on our hakkys and 
go to de camp, quicker as Dr. Faust over the big sea !" 

I thought of doing this myself, but the distance was great, 
and we would have been compelled to pass through a very 
dangerous country and hostile people. The Colonel had 
promised to send back an escort for us, but I was uncertain 
when it would come, hence our condition, every way, was 
anything but enviable. 

In this predicament I went to the priest, and told him that 
we were going to leave for the American eamp. He would 
not listen to such a story, but without further circumlocution 
locked my horse up in his stable, and procured quarters for 
the German in the house of a sort of Mexican carpenter, ad- 
joining his own. I now considered my case almost hopeless, 
and that if the Colonel did not send for me, I might remain 
for an indefinite time. 



156 APPENDIX. 

In the meanwhile, however, the priest*s wrath moderated. 
He became more calm, and his conversation more mild. He 
endeavored to persuade me out of the notion of returning to 
camp, and offered to give me everything I wished, if I would 
only consent to stay. 

About this time I became acquainted with Gen. Sanchzes, 
of the Mexican Army, who was oii a visit to the place. He 
offered to take me to Gen. Santa Anna, and procure me a 
commission. Thus ijituated, I knew not what to do. Finally, 
I told him and the priest that if an escort did not come for 
me in three months, I would remain with them, but as to en- 
tering the Mexican service, I never could or would think of 
that, "because," said I, "I do not like our own service, 
and only volunteered out of ambition to serve my country in 
time of need." This quieted them somewhat. 

My readers, no doubt, will ask how 1 carried on this con- 
versation. A painter came there some time subsequent to 
my being left, who could speak pretty good English. With 
liis aid we got along pretty well, considering that by this time I 
could speak Spanish tolerably well, having been a close stu- 
dent of the priest's. 

About this time, also, information reached here of the cap* 
lure of Majors Gaines and Borland's party at Encarnacion. 
This created a rejoicing time among the Mexicans, and the 
priest now urged and compelled ms to change my costume, 
I having worn my uniform until now. He assigned as his 
reason for this notion, his fear that the Mexican soldiers 
miglit kill me if they should encounter me in my country's 
costume. He supplied me with a suit from his own ward- 
robe, which was anything but a good fit. After introducing 
myself into these clothes, I felt something like performing 
religious exercises. 

An accident transpired during my sojourn, which might 



APPENDIX. 1 57 

have led to serious consequences. I had some Peruvian 
bark and ground flaxseed left with me by tlie Ilospilal Sur- 
geon, to be administered to the sick man, which I kept in 
my saddle-bags. One day, while in the act of taking some- 
thing out, they noticed these medicaments, an.l fortliwilh 
declared I was a physician, I protested against it and said 
all I could to explain matters, but my labor proved abortive. 
They knew better — they hid seen the medicine. 

In a few days it appeared as if some epidemic was pre- 
vailing in town, in consequence of which I had to feel the 
pulses of not a few. This part of the game I had no great 
repugnance to, more especially when called on by the ladies. 
i dosed out the flaxseed and bark with the gravity of a regu- 
lar built quack doctor. Sometimes I mixed them, and at 
other times I gave them alone. In quite a short time I could 
examine a patient with as much grace, obsequiousness and 
independence, as any genuine son of Esculapius. 

I told the joke to my German man Friday, and he said : 
^* Den I vish, gooter as sour krout, ve had some arshnic, ve 
vould gif dem a dose, py shure." I did not agree with him 
in this, as I did not go in for killing folks, knowing that 
the flaxseed at least was perfectly harmless. 

One day I came very near being caught in a bad scrape. 
Having felt a lady's pulse, but wishing to avoid administering 
my powders, I recommended bleeding. Not having any lance, 
I expected no further trouble in this case, but my fair pa- 
tient's mental resources were not so soon run ashore, for 
bled she said she must be. She therefore despatched a ser- 
vant girl to a man who, she said, would lend her one. Sure 
enough, I was now in a dilemma and knew not vvliat to do. 
I hastened to my German friend and asked him what was 
to be done. "Vy, py shure, den, pleed her just like von 
leelle hog," said he. So I screwed up all my courage and 

U 



158 AFVEsmx, 

concluded to perform venesection, liit or miss. At last I 
observed tlie messenger coming, when I quickly examined 
my own veins to see how I had been bled, and proceeded to 
the priest's house to meet my patient and bleed her in the 
best manner I possibly could. But what was my joy when 
I was informed that the lance in question could not be ob* 
tained. The obnoxious flaxseed and barks, however, had 
again to be resorted to. 

They were in the habit of taking me to fandangoes, and 
one evening requested me to go to one. I agreed, and on 
entering the house, was horror struck to see the corpse of 
a child laid out and they dancing around it. This was a 
new play to me, but I had to take share in the sport. After- 
wards I found out that it was a custom. At funerals they 
generally accompany the corpse with music and firing of 
muskets. 

I now heard of the approach of Santa Anna's army, and his 
proposed attack on the American forces. The Mexicans were 
sure of a victory, and my feelings began to be awful, consid- 
ering the small number of our forces and the comparatively 
great number of Santa Anna's. I thought ours might have to 
retreat to Monterey, so that I would be still farther away from 
them, and should Santa Anna be victorious my doom would 
be sealed. 

But 1 was finally relieved of all my fears, for on the morn- 
mg of the 9ih of February, a Mexican came galloping up to 
the door and reported that the Americans were coming. The 
priest appeared thunder-struck, never having entertained tiie 
idea that our officers would send after me. 

It proved to be six companies of the Arkansas Regiment 
vrho were sent out for corn, and the Colonel had sent Lieut. 
Giles, of the company to which I was attached, (my com- 
pany was not along,) to go to Patos and see about me. The 



APPKNDIX. 159 

priest wanted me to go to the prison and he would lock me 
in, and tell the Americans that I had started for camp. I 
told him that would not do, for the German would tell iliem 
better. He then said he would lock the German up also. I 
again told him it would not answer, and that the American 
oflicers would not credit such a tale as that, and in case ihey 
did not find me they would sack and demolish the town, and 
take him in my stead. 

Just as I was about concludin;r the last sentence, the 
Americans marched in, and the above named Lieutenant, (to 
whom 1 shall ever be indebted for the interest he took in my 
affairs,) rode up to the priest's door, where I met him. To 
me it was a joyful meeting, for I now felt that I was free« 
The German ran about in perfect extacies, shaking his 
fists at every Mexican that came in his way, saying, " Dun- 
der and blitzen — fetch mieh der tifel, if I had some schnaps 
now, I would get so drunk as every ting." 

At last I bade farewell to my IMexican friends, who, I 
must say, treated me better than I had expected ; but no one 
knows what they would have d.jne had Santa Anna arrived 
and whipped the American forces, as they expected he 
would do. 

On the llih of February I arrived in camp, and then and 
there resolved never again to cast myself on the tender mer- 
cies of the Mexicans as lou)^ as I could avoid the contingencv. 



loo APPENDIX. 



DESPATCHES 

OF GENERAL WOOL AND COLONEL ROANE 



Headqxtarteis, Camp Taylor. Agua Nueva, 
£0 miles south of Saltillo, Mexico, 
March 4, IM7. 

Major : Agreeably to the orders from the commandino; general, 
I have the honor to report that on the 21st ultimo the troops at Agua 
Nueva broke up their encampment, and preceded by the supply 
and baggage train, marched for Buena Vista and Saltillo, except 
Col. Yell's Regiment of Arkansas Volunteers, which remained to 
look out for the enemy, reported to be advancing on Agua Nueva 
in great force, and to guard some public stores left at the hacienda 
until transportation could be obtained to carry them to Buena Vista. 
. On the arrival of the commanding general at Encantada, he 
directed that Col. M'Kee's Regiment, 2d Kentucky Volunteers, and 
a section of Capt. Washington's battery, be kept at that place to 
give support to Col. Yell, in case he should be driven in by ihe ene- 
my. Between Encantada and Buena Vista, called the pass, Col. 
Hardin's R.'gimen% 1st Illinois Volunteers, was stationed. The 
rest of my command encamped near the hacienda of Buena Vista. 
The major general commanding, accompanied by Lieut. Col. May's 
squadron (2d dragoons), Captains Sherman's and Bragg's batteries 
(3d artillery), and the Mississippi Regiment, commanded by Co!. 
Davis, proceeded to Saltillo, to provide against the attack meditated 
by Gen. Minon, with a cavalry force reported to be 3,000 strong. 
As many wagons as could be obtained were ordered to return forth- 
with 10 Agua Nueva, and bring off what remained of the stores at 
that place. 

In the course of the evening, agreeably to the instructions of the 
commanding general, transmitted from Saltillo, Col. Marshall, with 
his regiment and the 1st dragoons were ordered to Agua Nueva to 
reinforce Col. Yell, who was directed, in case he should be attack- 
ed, to destroy everything at that place he could not bring off, and to 
tirere before 12 o'clock, P. M. Col. M'Kee, at Encantada, with the 
section of artillery, was directed to join Col. Yell on his retreat, and 



APPENDIX. 161 

the whole to fall back to Buena Vista, should the enemy pursue 
them to that place. Before leaving Agua Nueva, Col. Yell's pick- 
ets were driven in by the advanced parties of the Mexicans. He 
then retired <vith the reinforcements under the command of Col. 
Marshall, after destroying a small quantity of corn yet remaining 
at the hacienda, ami leaving a few wagons which had been precip- 
itately abandoned by their teamsters. 

All the advanced parties came into Buena Vista, except Colonel 
Hardin's Regiment, before daylight on the morning of the 22J. 

At 8 o'clock, A. M., on the 22d, I received notice that the Mexican 
army was at Agua Nueva, and ordered a section of Capt. Washing- 
ton's artillery to move forward and join Col. Hardin. Shortly after- 
wards [ repaired to that position where it had been determined to 
give battle to the enemy. During the previous night, agreeably to 
my orders, Col. Hardin's Regiment had thrown up a parapet on the 
height, on the left of the road, and had dug a small ditch, and made 
a parapet extending from the road around the edge of the gull}', on 
the right of the road. They were then directed to dig a ditch and 
make a parapet across the road for the protection of Capt. Wash- 
ington's artillery, leaving a narrow passage next to the hill, which 
was to be closed by running into it iwo wagons loaded with stune. 

About 9 o'clock our pickets, stationed at the Encantada, about 
three and a half miles distant, discovered the enemy advancing 
Word was immediately despatched to the commanding general at 
Saltillb, and I ordered the troops at Buena Vista forthwith to be 
brought forward. 

Capt. Washington's battery was posted across the road, protect- 
ed on its left by a commanding eminence, and on its left by deep 
gullies. The 2d Kentucky infantry, commanded by Cul. M'Kec, 
was stationed on a hill, immediately in the rear of Washington's 
battery. The six companies of the 1st Illinois Regiment, "com- 
manded by Col. Hardin, took post on the eminence on the lefi ; and 
two companies under Lieut. Ccd. Weatherford, occupied the breast- 
work on the right of Washington's battery. The 2J Illinois Regi- 
ment was stationed on the left of the Kentucky Regiment. The 
Indiana Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. Lane, was posted on a 
ridge immediately in rear of the front line, and Captain Stein's 
squadron in reserve, in rear of the Indiana Brigade. The Kentucky 
Regiment of Cavalry, under the command of Co!. Marshall, and 
the Arkansas Regiment, under the command of Col. Yell, were 
stationed to the left of the second line towards the mountain?. 
Shortly afterwards the rifle companies of these two regiments were 
dismounted, and with the cavalry companies of the Kentucky Reg- 
iment, and a battalion of riflemen from the Indiana Brigade, under 
Major Gorman, under command of Col. Marshall, were ordered to 
take post on the extreme left, and at the foot of the mountains. 

These dispositions were apprved by ihe major general com- 
manding, who had now returned from Saitillo, bringing with him 
Lieut. Cul. May's squadron of the 2d dragoons, Captains Sherman's 



162 APPENDIX. 

and Bragg's batteries of artillery, and the Mississippi Regiment of 
Riflemen. 

The enemy had halted just beyond cannon shot, and displayed 
his forces on either side of the road, and commenced pushing his 
light infantry into the mountains on our lef^. At the same time 
indications of an attempt on our right induced the Commanding 
General to order the 2d Kentucky Infantry and Capt. Bragg's 
Battery, with a detachment of mounted men, to take post on the 
the right of the gullies, and at some distance in advance of Capt. 
Washington's Battery, in the centre. Capt. Sherman's Battery was 
held in reserve in rear of the second line. 

The enemy was nov/ seen pushing his infantry on his right to- 
ward the heights, showing evidently an intention to turn our left, 
in order to get possession of the key to our position — the eminence 
immediately on the left of Washington's artillery — and thus open 
a free passage to Saltillo. 

Col. Marshall, with his regiment, the Arkansas Riflemen, under 
Lieut. Col. Roane, and the Indiana Rifle Batallion, under Major 
Gorman, was charged with meeting this party, and checking their 
movement on our left. Brigadier Gen. Lane, wiih the 2d Indiana 
Regiment and a section of Capt. Washington's artillery, under 
Lieut. O'Brien (since Captain in the Quartermaster's Department,) 
•was ordered to the extreme left and front of the plain, which was 
terminated by a deep ravine, extending from the mountain to the 
road, with orders to prevent the enemy from coming around by the 
base of the mountain. 

At two o'clock the enemy's light infantry were moving up the 
side of the mountain and in the ravines. They opened a fire on 
our riflemen from a large howitzer, posted in the road, and between 
hree and four o'clock Col. Marshall engaged the Mexican Infantry 
on the side of the mountain, and the firing continued at intervals 
until dark, in this our troops sustained no loss, whilst that of the 
enemy is known, by a subsequent inspection of the ground, to be 
considerable. After the firing had ceased, the Major General com 
manding again returned to Saltillo to see to matters at that place, 
and to guard against Gen. Minon and his cavalry, taking with him 
the Mississippi Regiment and a squadron of the 2d Dragoons. 

The troops remained under arms during the night in the position 
hey occupied at the close of the day. About two o'clock, A. M., 
of the 23d, our piquets were driven in by the Mexicans, and at the 
dawn of day the action was renewed by the Mexican light infantry 
and our riflemen on the side of the mountain. 

The enemy had succeeded during the night and early in the 
morning, in gaining the very top of the mountain, and to our left 
and rear. He had reinforced his extreme right by some 1,500 to 
2,000 infantry. 

Major Prail, 2d Illinois Volunteers, was ordered, with his batta- 
lion of riflemen, to reinforce Col. Marshall, who was engaged in 
holding the right of the enemy in check. 



APPENDIX. 163 

The enemy now opened a fire upon our left, from a battery planted 
on the side of the mountain, near where his li2;ht infaniry had com- 
menced ascending it — everything now indicating tnat the main at- 
tack would be against our left. 

The 2d Kentucky infantry and Bragg's battery of artillery were, 
by instructions given to Major Mansfield, ordered from the extreme 
right, and Sherman's battery ordered up from the rear to take post 
with Col. Bissell's regiment, 2d Illinois Volunteers, on the plateau 
M'hich extends from the centre of the line to the foot of the moun- 
tain, the sides of which were now filled with the Mexican infantry 
and our riflemen, between whom the firing had become very brisk. 

About this time the Major General commanding, was seen return- 
ing from Saliillo with the Mississippi regiment and the squadron 
of the 2d dragoons, and shortly after he arrived and took his posi- 
tion in the centre of the field of battle, where he could see and direct 
the operations of the day. 

At eight o'clock a large body of the enemy, composed of infantry, 
lancers, and three pieces of artillery, moved down the high road 
upon our centre, held by Capt. Washington's battery and the 1st 
Illinois Volunteers, but were soon dispersed by the former. The 
rapidity and precision of the fire of the artillery scattered and dis- 
persed this force in a few minutes with considerable loss on their 
side, and little or none on our own. 

In connexion with this movement, a heavy column of the enemy's 
infantry and cavalry and the battery on the side of the mountain 
moved against our left, which was held by Brigadier Gen. Lane 
with the 2d Indiana regiment and Lieut. O'JBrien's secfion of artil- 
lery, by whom the enemy's fire was warmly returned, and, owing 
to the range, with great effect. Gen. Lane, agreeably to my orders, 
wishing to bring his infantry within striking distance, ordered his 
line to move forward. This order was duly obeyed by Lieut. 
O'Brien. The infantry, however, instead of advancing, retired in 
disorder, and, in spite of the utmost eflf'orls of their General and his 
officers, left the artillery unsupported and fled the field of battle. 
Some of them were rallied by Ctd. Bowles, who, with the fragment, 
fell in with the ranks of the Mississippi riflemen, and during the 
day did good service with that gallant regiment. I deeply regret 
to say that most of them did not return to the field, and many of 
Ihem continued their flight to Saltillo. 

Lieut. O'Brien, being unsupported by any infantry, and not being 
able to make head against the heavy column bearing down upon 
him with a destructive fire, fell back on the centre, leaving one of 
his pieces, at which all the cannoniers and horses were either killed 
or disabled, in the hands of the enemy. Seeing themselves cut oflf 
from the centre by the flight of the 2d Indiana Regiment, and the 
consequent advance of the Mexican infantry and cavalry upon the 
ground previously occupied by it, the riflemen, under the command 
of Col. Marshall, retreated from their position in the mountain, 
where they had been so successfully engaged with the enemy on 



16i APPENDIX. 

the oiber .side of ihe dry bed of a deep and broad torrent ihal is 
immediately in rear of our position. Here many fled in disorder 
to the rear. Some of them were subsequently rallied and brought 
again into action, with their brave companions ; others were slopped 
at the hacienda of Buena Vista, and there re-formed by their olucers. 

The enemy immediately brought forward a battery of three 
pieces, and look a position on the extreme left of our line, under 
the mountain, and commenced an enfilading fire on our centre, 
which was returned with so much effect upon the advancing column 
of the Mexicans, containing near 6,000 infantry and lancers, that 
it forced ihem to keep to the upper side of the plateau, close under 
the side of the mountain; and, instead of turning to the left, and 
advancing on our centre, against the heavy fire of so much well 
served artillery, continued its course perpendicular to our line on 
the extreme left, crossed over the bed of the dry torrent, in the 
direction taken by our retreating riflemen, keeping all the while 
close to the foot of the mountain. Colonels Marshall and Yell, 
with iheir cavalry companies, C(d. May, with the squadron of the 
1st and 2d dragoons, and Capt. Pike's squadron, Arkansas Cavalry, 
in connection with a brigade of infantry, formed of the Mississippi 
Regiment, ihe 3d Indiana, under Col. Lane, and a fragment of the 
2d Indiana Regiment, under Col. Bowles, and Bragg's battery, and 
three pieces of Sherman's battery, succeeded in checking the 
march of this column. The Mississippi Regim ent alone, and with 
ahowiizer under Capt. Sherman, moved agains^ some 4,000 of the 
enemy, and stopped them in their march upon Sallillo. A large 
body of lancers, from this body, formed column in one of the 
mountain gorges, and advanced, through the Mexican infantry, to 
make a descent on the hacienda of Buena Vista, near which our 
train of supplies and baggage had been packed. They were 
gallantly and successfully met by our mounted^men, under Colonels 
Marshall and Yell, and the attacking column separated, part return- 
ing to the mountain, under cover of their infantry, and ar part 
through the hacienda. Here the latter were met by a destructive 
fire from those men who had left the field in the early part of the 
action, and h£d been rallied by their officers. Col. May's dragoons, 
and a section of artillery, under Lieut. Reynolds, coming up at this 
moment, completed the route of this portion of the enemy's cavalry. 
The column which had passed our left, and had gone some two 
miles to oar rear, now faced about, and commenced retracing their 
steps, exposing their right flank to a very heavy and destructive 
fire from our infantry and artillery, who were drawn up in a line 
parallel to the march of the retreating column, of whom many 
were forced on and over the mountains, and many dispersed. 

Gen. Santa Anna, seeing the situaiion of this part of his army, 
and, no doubt, considering them as cut off", sent in a flag to the 
Major General commanding, to know what he desired. The General 
asked me to be the bearer of his answer, to which 1 cheerfully 
assented, and proceeded immediately to the enemy's battery, under 



APPENDIX. 165 

the mountains, to see the Mexican General-in-Chief. But in coa- 
sequence of a refusal to cease firing on our troops, to whom the 
news of the truce had not yet been communicated, and who were 
actively engaged with the Mexican infantry, I declared the parley 
at an end, and returned without seeing General Santa Anna, or 
communicating the answer of the General commaniiing. 

The Mexican column was now in rapid retreat, pursued by our 
artillery, infantry, and cavalry, and, notwithstanding the etfectof our 
fire, they succeeded for the greater part, favored by the configuration 
of the ground, in crossing the bed of the torrent, and regaining the 
plateau from which they had previously de.scended. 

Whilst this was taking place on the left and rear of the line, our 
centre, under the immediate eye of the commanding General, 
although it suffered much in killed and wounded, stood firm, and 
repelled every attempt to march upon it. 

The Mexican forces being now concentrated on our left, made a 
move to carry our centre, by advancing with his whole strength 
from the left and front. At this moment, Lieut. O'Brien was ordereil 
to advance his battery and cheek this movement. He did so in a 
bold and gallant manner, and maintained his position until his 
supporting force was completely routetl by an immensely superior 
force. His men and horses being nearly all killed and wounded, 
he found himself under the necessity of abandoning his pieces, 
and they fell i-nto the hands of the enemy. From this point the 
enemy marched upon the centre, where the shock was met by Gv). 
McKee, the 1st Illinois, under Col. Hardin, and the 21, under Col. 
Bissell, all under the immediate eye of the commanding General. 
This was the hottest, as well as the most critical, part of the action, 
and at the moment when our troops were about giving way before 
the vastly superior force with which they were contending, the 
batteries of Captains Sherman and Bragg coming up most oppor- 
tunely from the rear, and under the immediate direction ot the 
commanding General, by a well directed fire checked and drave 
back with great loss the enemy, who had come close upun the 
muzzles of their pieces. A part of the enemy's lancers took oar 
infantry in flank, and drove them down the ravine in from of Capt. 
Washington's battery, who saved them by a well-directed and well- 
timed fire from his pieces. 

This was the last great eff'Tt of Gen. Santa Anna; the firing, 
however, between the enemy's artillery and our own, continued 
until night. 

The troops lay on their arms in the position in which they wcr^i 
placed at evening. Miij >r Warren's command, of four companies 
of Llinois infantry, and a detachment of Capt. Webster's company, 
under Lieut. Donaldson, were brought on the field from Sallillo, 
where they had performed, during the day, important services in 
connexion with Capt. Webster's battery, under a piece ably served 
by Lieut, (now Captain) Shover, 3d Artillery, in repelling tl.e al^ 
lack under Gen. Minon and his Cavalry on that place. 



166 APPENDIX. 

Every arrangement was made to engage the enemy early the next 
morning, when, at day-break, it was discovered he had retreated 
under cover of the night, leaving about 1,000 dead and several 
hundred wounded on the fieid of battle, and 294 prisoners in our 
hands, one standard and a large number of arms. 

The forces engaged in the great battle of the 22d and 23d ultimo, 
were as follows : 

The United States Troops, commanded by Major Gen. TayK'f, 
amounted to only 4,610 including officers. 

The forces under command of Gen. Santa Anna amounted to 
22,000. Some of the Mexican officers taken prisoners stated ihe 
number to be 24,000, exclusive of artillery. This number, I pre- 
sume, included Gen. Minon's cjavalry, reported to be from 2,000 
to 3,000. 

The enemy is represented to' be in a disorganized state, and that 
the losses in killed aud wounded, and by desertion, exceed 6,000 
men. The dead, the dying, and the wounded in a starving condi- 
tion, everywhere to be seen on its route, bespeak a hurried retreat 
and extreme distress. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant. 

JOHN E. WOOL, Brig. Gau 

To Major W. W. S. Bliss, Asst. Adjt. Gen. 



Camp Taylor, Mexico, Feb. 27, 1847. 

Brig. Gku. John E. Wool : On the evening of ihe 22d, when 
we were first drawn up in line of battle to meet the enemy, who at 
that time was in our immediate vicinity, I was assigned to the 
command of four companies of riflemen, Col. Yell taking command 
of four companies of cavalry, two companies of our regiment, 
commanded by Captains Pike and Preston, Jr., being detached, and 
acting with some other corps. 

On the evening uf the 22d, the Mexicans having taken possession 
of the mountain side, with the view of turning our left flank, I 
was ordered to ascend the mountain, and if possible dislodge iheni 
from this position. This I attempted, in connexion with the Ken- 
tucky Riflemen, but darkness coming on, we were recalleil, after 
sustaining a heavy fire fur more than an hour, and camped upon 
the plain until morning. 

On the morning of the 22d, the position of my command was 
designated by our gallant general himself; to whose cool and heroic 
courage, military judgment, and commanding genius, I would add 
my humble testimonial. Two companies, under Captains Patrick 
and Ilunter, were posted some distance in advance, to bring on the 
engagement, which they did, sustaining their position as long as 



APPENDIX. 167 

required, and then fell back and joined my command (Capt. Pres- 
ton';; and Li. Trousdale's companies). Immediately on their taking 
position in line, I, wiih my whole command, moved forward to the 
front, and took position in line with the infantry, who were at this 
time under a heavy fire from Mexican small arn)s. This position 
my baitalion sustained for some time, never yielding until many 
were killed and wounded, and not then until a regiment of infantry 
who were giving way before the advancing foe, rushed among them 
bearing many off with them, and throwing others into confusion, 
separating ihe officers from the men. A number of my command, 
who remained on the field, ffll in with the Illinois Infantry, and 
with them fought the battle out. Finding it impossible to rally 
those who had thus J^een disordered, I mounted my horse and 
joined Col. Yell. 

The Kentucky and Arkansas Cavalry having been actingtogether 
during »he day, were at this time in good order, falling back before 
the Mexican horse. About this time, gaining an advantageous 
position, the command was given to charge, which was promptly 
obeyed, and, for the first time during the day, the Mexicans were 
driven back, sustaining a very heavy loss from our carbines and 
sabres. The enemy being reinforced, it was thought advisable to 
fall back again, which we did, the Mexican lancers pursuing. 
When we had gained the plain, some miles disiani, we were halted, 
and prepared to receive their charge. Simultaneously with the 
commai;d of the Mexican officers to charge, was it echoed by Col- 
onels Marshall and Yell, as they led on their men. Midway the 
contending lines met, and Col. Yell, my immediate commander, 
fell at the first onset, covered with wounds. 

Upon the fall of Col. Yell, the command of the regiment devolv- 
fd on ir-yself, as next in command. The fight still went on, and 
though many of our brave men lay dead and bleeding, Mexican 
numbers were forced to yield to Saxon courage. The Mexicans 
were entirely routed. S.ime thirty-five of them lay dead on the 
field, and hundreds bleeding made their escape. 

From this lime until night, myself and command continued to 
act under the command of Col. Marshall, and, although not again 
brought to fight hand to hand with the enemy, yet were all the time 
on the field, and often in the most perilous positions. 

The number killed upon the ground, out of the eight companies 
of our regimert, who were at different times in the fight under mv 
Ciimmand, was tweniy-three killed and forty wouniled, most of 
them dangerously, some of whona have since died, and others 
doubtless will. 

In mentioning those whose gallant conduct happened to fall un- 
der my personal observation, I would not be thought to make in- 
vidious distinctions. That there were others whose conduct was 
alike gallant and worthy of notice and commendation, I have not 
a doubt. To others I leave the pleasing task of placing them in 
their proper position before a grateful and admiring country. 



1 68 APPENDIX. 

Ii is with feelings of mingled pleasure and heartfelt regret, that I 
rnontion the names of the brave and chivalrous Col. Yell and Capt. 
Porter, Vvho died, as all were prepared to expect should ii be their 
fate to fall, at the head of their commands, urging them on to victo- 
ry and leading the way. By the side of these I would place the 
names of John Pel'iam and D. Stewart ; although they were privates 
in the ranks, they fought like soldiers. 

Amongst those who were more fortunate and still live to enjoy 
tlie good name they that day won, I would mention Surgeon E H. 
Roane and Assistant Surgeon J. W. Glenn, who disresarding pei- 
sonal safety, were often found ministering to the wounded and su'- 
fering where danger and death were most frequently met ; not pass- 
ing by unnoticed Surgeon C. Peyton, who kindly volunteered his 
skilful professional services, to alleviate the sufferings of some of 
our wounded, who happened to fall near him. 

Amongst the cfficers of my command whom I, by my relative 
position, happened to observe, 1 would mention Capts. Patrick, 
Hunter and Dillord ; Lieutenants C. Trousdale, W. McKean, Desha, 
the two Searcys, Reeder, McLain, Carr, Stewart, Geo. Foster, Tom- 
berlin and Wilhoff, and Adjutant Mears. 

Of non-commissi(med officers and privates, out of a long list I 
might mention, without disparagement to others, I give the names 
of Seargeant Major B. F. Ross, who was long in the fight, and never 
yielded until shot down on the battle field, 1st Seargeant John D. 
Adams, Quartermaster; Seargeant McVicar and Forage Master 
Magruder; privates Wm. Queensbury, John Laister and Jo»hua 
Danley, who was three times wounded. 1 might mention others, 
but the list would be too long. 

This is a hasty account of what was done, and the names of a 
few, very few of those who bore an honorable part in it, by the 
Arkansas Regiment, on the memorable 22d and 23d instants, days 
that will be remembered whilst Americans continue to reverence 
chivalry and heroic deeds, and as the days on which the proof con- 
clusive was furnished to the world that the spirits of a Jackson and 
a Napoleon still live in a Taylor and a Wool. 
I am, with great respect. 

Your very obedient servant, 

JOHN SELDEN ROANE, 
Lt. Col. Comd'g Arkansas Cavalry. 



3i<.77-2 



